ENGLISH
REFERENCE

make it rain

idiom
Meaning

To bring prosperity or work to an enterprise by selling, inventing or other productive or successful activity.


Origin

disputed origin

Originates as a slang term for throwing out lots of cash to dancers in strip clubs, as if money is raining down on them. Draws from its roots in rainmaker (“a medicine man who seeks to induce rain; (figuratively) a person having the ability to generate business”).

Examples
SIMPLE

Our new product is a success and really makes it rain.

CONTEXTUAL

The sales team closed three major deals this week, which will definitely make it rain for the company.

COMPLEX

By securing the exclusive international distribution contract, the startup finally made it rain, ensuring long-term financial stability for all its employees.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    cannot make it

    Cannot reach satisfactory or expected standards or do something competently; describes someone in a hopeless situation.

  2. 02

    doctors make the worst patients

    It is difficult to advise people on subjects that they are experts on.

  3. 03

    enough to make a cat laugh

    Very outlandish or outrageous.

  4. 04

    enough to make the angels weep

    Something so distressing that it causes one to lose hope and faith.

  5. 05

    fine feathers make fine birds

    Something that appears beautiful or good is by definition beautiful or good.

  6. 06

    it takes all kinds to make a world

    Diversity is essential: the world would be incomplete if everyone were alike; an expression of surprise at a person or people's eccentricity.

  7. 07

    it takes two to make a quarrel

    It takes two or more people to cause a quarrel; one cannot blame an argument entirely on the other side.

  8. 08

    kiss and make up

    To settle one's differences and forgive.

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