Etymology Journal ยท S
Save it for a rainy day
Meaning
- To set aside money, resources, or energy for a future time when things might be difficult. It is the gold standard of being prepared for an emergency.
Prudent, cautious
Used in a sentence
- I am putting this bonus into my savings account to save it for a rainy day.
- You should not spend all your energy now, save it for a rainy day.
- She kept the extra supplies in the pantry, deciding to save it for a rainy day.
The backstory
The phrase dates back to the 16th century, suggesting that a rainy day is a metaphor for a period of hardship or scarcity. It is a classic piece of frugal household wisdom.
Heard in
Nationwide
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