Where did the term rain check come from?
This phrase originally referred to a voucher given to spectators at a baseball game that was rained out. The “rain check” allowed them to watch another game for free.
Why do Americans say take a rain check?
To politely refuse an invitation or offer, Americans say they’ll “take a rain check.” In the late 19th century, a rain check was a special pass issued to baseball ticket-holders in instances of inclement weather.
What is rain check slang for?
: a promise to allow someone to buy or do something in the future because it is not possible to buy or do it now.
What does RSIN check mean?
A rain check is a free ticket that is given to people when an outdoor game or event is stopped because of rain or bad weather, so that they can go to it when it is held again. [US]
Do you mind if I take a rain check?
If you tell someone you will take a rain check, you are saying that you will not accept their offer now but that you might accept it at a different time. I’m sorry, Mimi, I’m just too exhausted to go out tonight.
Is it rain Cheque or rain check?
This is “check” in the sense of “token,” the same meaning found in “coat check.” It is not “check” in the “written promise to pay” sense that is also spelled “cheque.” The Canadian Oxford Dictionary does not even recognize the spelling “rain cheque” (let alone “raincheque”).
What does it mean when a guy says rain check?
phrase. If you say you will take a rain check on an offer or suggestion, you mean that you do not want to accept it now, but you might accept it at another time.
What is the origin of the phrase “rain check”?
The phrase originated in the 1880s in the USA in reference to baseball games. If it rained heavily enough for a match to be postponed, the ticket holders to the match were given a “rain check”, i.e., a voucher to attend another match.
How did the phrase ‘Take a rain check’ originate?
This term comes from baseball, where in the 1880s it became the practice to offer paying spectators a rain check entitling them to future admission for a game that was postponed or ended early owing to bad weather.
What is the origin for take a rain check?
The literal sense of rain check, which is an Americanism, is first found in the 1880s in reference to a baseball game. The practice of giving a rain check to a ticketholder was formalized in 1890 in the constitution of the National League.
What is a rain check idiom?
Rain Check. An American idiom in use since the late 1800’s. Also: Give a rain check. Take a rain check. A rain check is a promise that an offer that cannot be accepted now will be extended in the future. To take a rain check is to promise to accept the offer later, and to give a rain check is to promise to renew an offer later.