take a rain check
The phrase 'take a rain check' originates from baseball, where spectators received a ticket for a future game if the current one was rained out. It now commonly means to defer an invitation or offer.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B2Social Interactions
(informal)To politely decline an invitation or offer, indicating a wish to accept it at a later time.
Example
- I can't join you for dinner tonight, but can I take a rain check for next week?
- She had to take a rain check on their coffee date because of a sudden work emergency.
C1Commerce
(informal)To request a deferred special offer or deal, usually due to temporary unavailability.
Example
- The store was out of stock, so I took a rain check on the sale item.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "take a rain check":