THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Take a rain check
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To decline an invitation for now while showing that you would like to accept another time.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- Could I take a rain check on dinner? I need to finish my assignment tonight.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
Could I ________ on dinner? I need to finish my assignment tonight.
Show the answer
Take a rain check — To decline an invitation for now while showing that you would like to accept another time.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Take a rain check” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
To decline an invitation for now while showing that you would like to accept another time.
Compare: Could I take a rain check on dinner? I need to finish my assignment tonight.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use this informal expression when you cannot join someone now but would welcome another chance. Thank the person and suggest a later time if you can.
More examples in context
- I had to take a rain check on the walk, but I hope to join them next week.
- Thanks for inviting me. Can I take a rain check until my visitors have left?
Usage note
Use take a rain check on an invitation or activity. Rain check is commonly written as two words; raincheck also occurs. No actual rain is needed. Avoid it if you mean a definite, permanent refusal.
A short conversation
A: Would you like to play tennis this evening?
B: Could I take a rain check? I have already promised to help my sister.
A: Of course. How about Saturday?
One more practice question
What does taking a rain check on an invitation usually suggest?
A. You cannot accept now but would like another opportunity.
B. You never want to receive another invitation.
Check your answer
A. The phrase postpones acceptance while expressing interest in another time.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.