“It never rains but it pours”: meaning, origin and examples
What it means
The phrase It never rains but it pours means that when something happens, it often happens to an extreme degree or that multiple similar events occur simultaneously or in succession.
Tone The tone of the phrase is generally negative or lamenting, as it suggests an overwhelming occurrence of unfortunate or challenging events.
Where it comes from
The phrase is a proverbial saying dating back to at least the early 18th century. It encapsulates the idea that misfortunes tend to come all at once. It may have originated from the observation that weather can be calm for a period, only for heavy rain to suddenly inundate an area.
Examples
- I hadn’t had a client in weeks, and then suddenly I got four big projects all due next week. It never rains but it pours!
- First, I lost my wallet, and then my car broke down the same day. It never rains but it pours.
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