[Slang] TAKE A RAIN CHECK. - Navigating Social Commitments with Useful English Phrases!

Postpone an invitation or event.

Take a rain check" is a handy way to politely decline an invitation but leave the door open for future plans. Originally from baseball, where fans got a "rain check" for another game if it was rained out, this expression is now a part of everyday conversations. Next time you can’t make it to dinner or a movie, just say, "Can I take a rain check?" to show you’re still interested later on.

Example Sentences

1. Sorry, I have to take a rain check on tonight’s dinner.

   Postponing plans for dinner.

2. Can we take a rain check on the movie? I’m swamped at work.

   Defer plans to watch a movie due to being busy.

3. I'd love to join the game, but let's take a rain check this time; my schedule is just too tight.

   Wanting to join a game but having to postpone because of a busy schedule.