Idiom idiom
take a rain check
Meaning
Postpone a plan
Examples
“I cannot go tonight, so I will take a rain check.”
“I would love to grab coffee with you, but I have a deadline today, so can I take a rain check?”
“Although the director appreciated the invitation to the gallery opening, he had to take a rain check due to an urgent matter at the studio.”
Origin
disputed origin
disputed origin
From 1880s American baseball: ticket holders were given a 'rain check' admitting them to a future game if rain stopped play.
Last updated June 7, 2026