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Tuesday, 17 August 2004

Weather words

Previously on English Bites we've looked at ways of describing the weather. Today we're going to look at those weather words a bit more closely, and look at some unusual phrases.

KARAH: Hot weather.

MICHAEL: Hot weather.

Well, the fact that it doesn't rain for starters so I can ride my bike everywhere, the fact that I can just walk around in t-short and shorts and not have to worry about what the weather's like outside 'cause it's going to be hot.

JAYDNNE: I love a hot day, not really muggy, not really humid but just hot so I can go out in the sun.

I like it because you can just wear a t-shirt and some shorts and it's great weather for just sitting around not doing a lot.

SUSAN: I really enjoy spring weather. I think the most perfect day would be a spring day for me when there's lot of blossoms and lots of birds around to hear.

weather
Weather means the climate, or what it’s like outside.

Weather words are the subject of today's spotlight.

rain
Here are some idioms that use the word rain.

take a raincheck
To take a raincheck is to delay something, or do it at a later time.

This expression comes from the name of the tickets given to spectators at outdoor events that might be postponed by rain.

save money for a rainy day
to put money away for the future, when things might not be so good
You should save money for a rainy day.

rain on your parade
to spoil your plans, or to stop you from enjoying something special

right as rain
perfectly well
I'll be as right as rain tomorrow.

rain cats and dogs
rain very heavily

sun
Here are some expressions that use the word sun.

make hay while the sun shines
make use of a good opportunity while you can

a place in the sun
a nice place to be; especially a favourable position in your professional life
With this job I've finally found my place in the sun.

under the sun
in the whole world
English Bites is the best show under the sun.

blossoms
flowers on trees
The blossom on the cherry tree doesn't last for long.

But to blossom can also mean to develop or become more attractive or successful.
She has blossomed since she went to a new school.

weather words

Weather means the climate, or what it’s like outside.
Notice it’s spelt w-e-a-t-h-e-r.

But watch out, because there’s another word that sounds exactly the same spelt w-h-e-t-h-e-r.

Whether means 'if', if something is the case.
There’s a rhyme that’s often used to help people remember the difference:

Whether the weather be fine
Or whether the weather be not,

Whether the weather be cold
Or whether the weather be hot,

We’ll weather the weather
Whatever the weather,
Whether we like it or not.

more information: weather or whether

The word weather has also got quite a few different meanings.

It can mean to cope or deal with something difficult.

We say someone has weathered a storm to mean they have come through difficult times.

To weather can also mean to be affected by the weather, to change or fade due to sun, wind and rain.

The outside of the house is weathered and needs to be repainted.
The outside of the house is weathered and needs to be repainted.

And there are lots of other weather phrases as well.

under the weather
feeling sick
I’m feeling under the weather today.

fair-weather friend
friend only in good times
You find out who you fair-weather friends are when you get into trouble.

keep a weather eye open
keep a close watch on
You need to keep a weather eye open to make sure that the heating stays on.

under a cloud
in doubt; not trusted; with a bad reputation
I left under a cloud, but to me it felt like a blaze of unwelcome light.

on cloud nine
very happy or excited
I was on cloud nine when I won the lottery.

storm in a teacup
big fuss over something small
It’s just a storm in a teacup and will be forgotten in a week.

put the wind up you
make you feel cross; make you feel afraid
Talk about cutbacks is putting the wind up the staff.