Meaning:
The phrase ‘rain on (my) parade‘ is an idiom that means to have one’s enjoyable time be ruined by something, such as hearing disappointing news.
Example: Jessica and her husband were planning to take a trip to Hawaii soon. However, as she was looking up flights, her husband said: “I don’t mean to rain on your parade, but our Hawaii vacation will have to be delayed until later this year.”
1. Bearer of bad news
2. Burst your bubble
3. Party pooper
4. Stick in the mud
Origin Of ‘Rain On Your Parade’
It’s believed that this phrase originated from a popular 1964 song called “Don’t Rain on my Parade,” written by Bob Merrill and composed by Jule Styne. I am unable to find the phrase in print from before that year, which suggests it originated around that time.
There are several newspapers from the year 1964 that reference the song. For example, in the Cumberland Evening Times of that year, a part in it reads:
“Composer Jule Stype and lyricist – Bob Merrill are at the top in their specialities, and they have provided several good songs . . . But they have let Miss Stresiand down in two vital numbers, ‘Don’t Rain on my Parade’ and ‘Who Are You Now?’ with the result that the show suffers.”
Later, the phrase started to be used figuratively. For instance, the following example is from a magazine called Mademoiselle, 1969:
“And the next day, when five members of Parliament drop into Boston unexpectedly, and the sound system for a dark dedication is lost en route, and it looks like it might rain on her parade, she’ll need that extra time.”
Example Sentences
- I don’t want to rain on your parade, Carl, but I’m unsure if I’ll be at your brother’s wedding.
- I know you haven’t seen this movie yet, so I won’t rain on your parade by spoiling the ending.
Similar Examples:
- Not to be the bearer of bad news, but there are no more peanut butter cookies left in the container.
- After I got home from the store, it burst my bubble when I remembered I forgot cat litter.
Example: If you’re looking for the meaning of hundreds of common phrases, sayings, and idioms, Know Your Phrase has that! If you select one of the letters from the menu at the top, it should take you to a list of common sayings. Explore through the list and find any that you’re interested in.
