# take a rain check

idiom · CEFR B1

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/take-a-rain-check
Updated: 2026-06-07

## 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

From 1880s American baseball: ticket holders were given a 'rain check' admitting them to a future game if rain stopped play. (disputed)

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.