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Whether you like it or not, the weather is a popular topic of conversation for many
English-speakers. Talking about the weather is a great conversation starter. Though it's
common to speak about the weather in the majority of countries, this is especially true for
the United Kingdom where the weather is very changeable.
The English language has a large vocabulary for talking about the weather and a wide
range of idioms. Discover how you can speak about the weather in everyday conversation
using the fun list of idioms below. Remember - if you’re ever planning a trip to the UK, it’s
best you learn all the rain ones first! Save the sun idioms for a trip to Australia or
California.
Example: “Do not forget your umbrella before you go outside. It is raining cats and dogs!”
Example: "I'm not going on holiday this year, but every cloud has a silver lining, as I'm
able to spend more time with my family at home."
Example: “Mike thinks he is going to pass his exams without studying. He has his head in
the clouds!”
4. SNOWED UNDER
When you have too much work to do or to have a lot of things to deal with at once.
Example: “Mike is snowed under with work. He cannot come and watch the game with us
tonight.”
Example: “Hazel did not come into work today. She was feeling under the weather.”
6. CLOUD NINE
If you are on cloud nine, you are extremely happy.
7. TO BE A BREEZE
To be easy or requiring little effort.
Example: "It's going to get very busy tomorrow. Today is the calm before the storm."
Example: “You could tell Maria was angry. She had a face like thunder!”
Example: "I don't think this flu scare is serious. It is a storm in a teacup."
Example: "Wow, did you see that man win the race? He was lightning fast!"
Example: "I know you want to become a famous footballer but don't chase rainbows! It is
very hard and you are just not good enough."
14. TO TAKE A RAIN CHECK
To postpone something.
Example: "Can we take a rain check on our cinema date? I have too much homework."
Example: "My classmate stole my thunder when he told the teacher that he did all the
work on the presentation."
All of these idioms can be used in conversation and are a great way to memorize
vocabulary relating to the weather and seasons.
Leprechaun’s Pot of Gold
Advanced Vocabulary
sunny/warm/fair/boiling/scorching
cool/chilly/freezing/frosty
rainy/snowy/cloudy/damp/humid/muggy/dank
changeable/unsettled/unpredictable
expect/change/predict/forecast/brave/change/improve/
deteriorate/worsen
quite developed:
light/heavy/gentle/steady rain
● On our way back from the park, we were soaked to the skin by
torrential/pouring rain.
● Thomas could hardly see the road through the driving rain so
he had to slow down.
● The wind howled outside and the snow turned to freezing rain.
persistent/light drizzle
● It was not heavy rain but a light drizzle, which is very good for
fishing.
Here are some adjectives that collocate with the noun wind.
a light/strong/warm/sharp/biting/howling/fierce wind
● It’s the end of the year – winds are roaring, roads are blocked.
● The wind moaned in the trees, but everything else was still.
a gust of/a breath of wind
● Although it was hot, one could feel a breath of wind in the air,
which was refreshing.
● I like when the sea is calm and a gentle breeze propels the
boat.
● A tornado scooped up one of our calves and dropped it, who
knows where.
● That house was blown away by hurricane Hazel in 1954.
● Ian felt just horrible when he saw all the flooding and people
left homeless with nothing.