Meaning
To save money or resources for a time when they might be needed unexpectedly.
Cultural Background
In the US, the concept is often linked to the 'Emergency Fund' recommended by financial experts. The phrase is very common in British English and is often used in the context of 'rainy-day savings accounts'. Similar to the UK and US, it is a standard idiom used to encourage responsible financial habits. The usage is identical to the US and UK, reflecting the shared cultural values of financial prudence.
Use it in advice
It's a great phrase to use when giving financial advice to friends.
Don't be literal
Remember, it's not about the weather!
Meaning
To save money or resources for a time when they might be needed unexpectedly.
Use it in advice
It's a great phrase to use when giving financial advice to friends.
Don't be literal
Remember, it's not about the weather!
Use 'rainy-day fund'
This is a very common professional way to use the idiom.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct phrase.
It is always a good idea to _________ in case of an emergency.
The idiom 'save for a rainy day' means to set aside money for emergencies.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Choose the correct sentence.
The idiom refers to saving money for future needs or emergencies, not for specific items.
Match the idiom with its meaning.
Match the following.
The idiom means to prepare for future needs.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Why are you not buying that jacket? B: I'm trying to _________.
The context implies saving money rather than spending it.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIt is always a good idea to _________ in case of an emergency.
The idiom 'save for a rainy day' means to set aside money for emergencies.
Choose the correct sentence.
The idiom refers to saving money for future needs or emergencies, not for specific items.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
The idiom means to prepare for future needs.
A: Why are you not buying that jacket? B: I'm trying to _________.
The context implies saving money rather than spending it.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it can refer to any resource, like food or supplies, but money is the most common.
It is neutral and fits in most conversations.
No, the idiom is fixed as 'rainy day'.
Yes, that is the core meaning.
You can still use the phrase to talk about your goals.
Yes, it is very common in the UK.
Only if the topic is personal finance or budgeting.
It is an idiom, but it functions like a piece of advice.
It represents a time of trouble or difficulty.
Yes, that is the past tense.
Related Phrases
Nest egg
synonymA sum of money saved for the future.
Rainy-day fund
specialized formA specific savings account for emergencies.
Stash away
similarTo store money secretly or carefully.
Put something aside
similarTo save money.
