rain on someone's parade

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rain on someone's parade" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to spoil someone's plans or enjoyment. Example: I was so excited to go on a picnic today, but the sudden rain really rained on my parade.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It's not pleasant to rain on someone's parade before Job 1.

Forbes

In matters of the heart, matters of creativity, I don't think it ever helps to rain on someone's parade.

Vice

But in matters of the heart, matters of creativity, I don't think it ever helps to rain on someone's parade.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Man – ever heard of raining on someone's parade, Sony Ericsson?

TechCrunch

Even if they did regard it as barking mad, they thought it bad form to rain on someone else's parade.

The Guardian - Opinion

Why would I want to do that?" That said, there's always someone who's ready to rain on Merton's parade.

The Guardian

And it's not my job to rain on anyone's parade.

Huffington Post

It seems unnecessary to rain on everyone's parade.

The New York Times

Is anyone going to rain on Leicester's parade?

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Pascrell, as it turns out, wasn't trying to rain on National Night Out's parade.

The New York Times

Pour more rain on Ida's parade.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the idiom "rain on someone's parade" when you want to express the act of spoiling someone's plans or enthusiasm, especially when the act is unintentional or perhaps a necessary reality check.

Common error

Avoid using "rain on someone's parade" when the intention is to offer constructive criticism or provide helpful advice. This idiom typically implies a negative impact, even if unintentional, and may not be appropriate when the goal is to be supportive.

Linguistic Context

The idiom "rain on someone's parade" functions as a verb phrase that describes the act of spoiling or diminishing someone else's happiness, enthusiasm, or plans. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and common occurrence in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "rain on someone's parade" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of spoiling someone's enjoyment or plans. As highlighted by Ludwig, the phrase is widely used across various sources, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the intent behind its usage, as it can sometimes imply a negative or discouraging tone. Related phrases include "spoil someone's fun" and "throw a wet blanket on", offering alternative ways to express a similar sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spoil someone's fun

Directly conveys the act of ruining someone's enjoyment.

throw a wet blanket on

Uses a different metaphor to describe suppressing enthusiasm or joy.

put a damper on

Similar to throwing a wet blanket, but slightly less vivid.

dampen someone's spirits

Focuses on the emotional impact of diminishing someone's happiness.

pour cold water on

Suggests discouraging an idea or plan.

burst someone's bubble

Emphasizes shattering an illusion or happy belief.

take the wind out of someone's sails

Implies diminishing someone's confidence or energy.

bring someone down a peg

Suggests humbling someone or reducing their self-importance.

sabotage someone's plans

Indicates a more deliberate act of undermining someone's intentions.

mess things up for someone

A more general phrase for causing problems or setbacks.

FAQs

How can I use "rain on someone's parade" in a sentence?

You can use "rain on someone's parade" to describe someone ruining another person's plans or enthusiasm. For example: "I didn't want to "rain on their parade", but I had to tell them the truth about the project's budget."

What does it mean to "rain on someone's parade"?

To "rain on someone's parade" means to spoil someone's plans, excitement, or enjoyment. It implies introducing a negative element into a positive situation.

Is there a difference between "rain on someone's parade" and "pour cold water on"?

While both phrases suggest discouraging or diminishing enthusiasm, "rain on someone's parade" generally refers to spoiling an existing enjoyment or plan. "Pour cold water on" more often describes discouraging a new idea or proposal.

What are some alternatives to "rain on someone's parade"?

Some alternatives include "spoil someone's fun", "throw a wet blanket on", or "dampen someone's spirits". The best choice depends on the specific context.