“When it rains it pours”: meaning, origin and examples
What it means
The phrase When it rains, it pours means that when one bad thing happens, it often seems that many other bad things occur in rapid succession as well.
Tone Cautious and somewhat pessimistic, often suggesting an overwhelming or uncontrollable situation.
Where it comes from
The phrase originates from a slogan for Morton Salt, which advertised that their salt would pour freely even in rainy weather. Over time, it took on a metaphorical meaning related to the clustering of difficulties.
Examples
- I missed the bus, then my phone stopped working, and finally I spilled coffee on my shirt—it’s true what they say, when it rains, it pours.
- After months of no job offers, I suddenly got three interviews in one week! When it rains, it pours.
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