rain on someone’s parade

R

rain on someone’s parade (idiom)
/reɪn ɑn ˈsʌmwʌnz pəˈreɪd/

Meaning

• Disrupt or ruin someone’s event or moment of happiness.
• Lessen someone’s excitement or joy.
• Diminish or negatively impact someone’s achievements.
• Intrude upon and reduce someone’s pleasure in an activity.
• Cause someone to feel let down during a time of anticipated happiness.

Example Sentences

1. I hate to rain on your parade, but the event has been canceled due to weather concerns.
2. She didn’t want to rain on his parade, so she kept the bad news to herself until after his celebration.
3. Telling him about the budget cuts now would only rain on his parade after his successful presentation.
4. I don’t mean to rain on your parade, but we have to postpone the trip due to unforeseen circumstances.
5. Criticizing her idea during the meeting would have rained on her parade and discouraged her enthusiasm.
6. I was so excited about my promotion, but a colleague’s criticism really rained on my parade.

Origin and History

The phrase is believed to have been in use since at least the early 1900s. For instance, a 1912 edition of the Schenectady Gazette includes the expression: “would show up to ‘rain on the parade,’ and Mr. Home warned the entire party against letting Horace loose on the veranda of the Pelican Bay House when he first caught sight of the imprints of a pair of French heels.” Similarly, a publication from Narbeth Our Town uses the phrase: “Far be it from us, oh, patriotic plowmen, to shed rain on the parade, but neither would we have your valorous efforts all in vain!” These instances suggest that the idiom was already in colloquial use during the early 20th century.

Popularization through Music

The expression gained widespread popularity with the release of the song “Don’t Rain on My Parade” in the 1964 musical Funny Girl, written by Bob Merrill and composed by Jule Styne. Performed by Barbra Streisand, the song’s assertive lyrics and memorable melody brought the idiom into mainstream consciousness, cementing its place in popular culture.

Imagery and Cultural Significance

The metaphorical imagery of rain disrupting a parade resonates across cultures, as parades are often associated with celebration and communal joy. Rain, being an uncontrollable natural element, serves as an apt symbol for unforeseen circumstances that can dampen spirits. This universal understanding has likely contributed to the idiom’s endurance and widespread adoption in the English language.

Synonyms

1. burst someone’s bubble
2. throw cold water on
3. spoil the fun
4. put a damper on
5. bring down the mood

Happy, Rain