When it rains it pours

The phrase When it rains it pours is often used in English, but what does this idiom mean? When idioms are used in the right situations, they strengthen communication and enrich the language. You can communicate more effectively by learning the meaning of When it rains it pours.

Meaning of "When it rains it pours"

Meaning

The idiom “when it rains it pours” is used to refer to a situation in which something bad or unpleasant happens all at once in quick succession. It is often used to describe a series of unfortunate events. The phrase implies that when one thing goes wrong, it can often lead to a chain of events where everything seems to suddenly fall apart.

Etymology

The literal meaning of this phrase is derived from the fact that when rain falls from the sky, it typically does so heavily and quickly. The phrase has been in use since the early 20th century and was first recorded in the year 1904. The exact origin of the phrase is unknown, though it is believed to have originated in the southern United States.

Usage

This phrase is typically used in a conversational manner when speaking about a series of negative events. It can also be used to express sympathy for someone who is in the middle of a particularly unfortunate situation. Depending on the context and tone of voice, the phrase can be used in a lighthearted way or with a more serious tone.

Example Sentences

• I thought things were going smoothly, but when it rains it pours. Now I'm dealing with a problem I didn't know I had.
• It's been a rough few days. When it rains it pours, right?
• My car needed a new tire, and then the transmission went out. I guess when it rains it pours.

Idioms with similar meanings in different languages

"Barking up the wrong tree" is an English idiom that means to pursue a mistaken or misguided course of action. In German, the similar idiom is "Auf dem Holzweg sein," which translates to "To be on the wrong track." This idiom emphasizes the idea that when you are pursuing the wrong course of action, you are not going to achieve your desired outcome.