What does “It never rains but it pours” mean?
"It never rains but it pours" means that when something bad happens, it often happens in a series of unfortunate events.
What context can I use the in?
Example
First, my car broke down, then I lost my job, and now my dog ran away. It never rains but it pours.
Example
I was already stressed about my upcoming exam, and then I got sick. It never rains but it pours.
Example
Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse, my computer crashed and I lost all my files. It never rains but it pours
Is “It never rains but it pours” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“It never rains but it pours” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “It never rains but it pours” effectively in context?
You can use "It never rains but it pours" to describe a situation where a series of unfortunate events occur all at once, emphasizing that when things go wrong, they tend to go very wrong. For example, if a friend is having a string of bad luck, you might say, 'First, their car broke down. Then, they lost their job. It never rains but it pours.'
- 1Personal Life
First, my car broke down. Then, I lost my job. It never rains but it pours.
- 2Daily Challenges
I thought I was having a bad day when I spilled coffee on my shirt, but then I got a flat tire on the way to work. It never rains but it pours.
- 3Unfortunate Events
Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse, my computer crashed and I lost all my important files. It never rains but it pours.
Similar phrases to “It never rains but it pours”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “It never rains but it pours” come from?
The origin of the phrase "It never rains but it pours" is unknown.
Is “It never rains but it pours” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "It never rains but it pours" is a common proverb in everyday conversation. People often use it to express the idea that when things start going wrong, they tend to continue going wrong in a series of unfortunate events.
What tone does “It never rains but it pours” have?
"It never rains but it pours" conveys a tone of resignation and acceptance. It's often used to sympathize with someone who is experiencing a string of bad luck or to express one's own frustration with a series of unfortunate events.
Can “It never rains but it pours” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "It never rains but it pours" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a well-known proverb that conveys the idea of multiple unfortunate events happening consecutively. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional writing.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'First, their car broke down. Then, they lost their job. It never rains but it pours.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'It never rains but it pours!' to imply a series of unfortunate events.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- when it rains, it pours
- misfortunes never come alone
- bad luck comes in threes
- troubles never come singly
- when one door closes, another opens
Antonyms
- every cloud has a silver lining
- every dog has its day
- after the storm comes the calm
- one step forward, two steps back
- good things come in small packages
