- A polite way to decline an invitation or offer while expressing hope or intention to accept it at a later, unspecified time.
Explanation
Origin
- American English, late 19th century, originating from baseball.
- When a baseball game was postponed or cancelled after starting due to rain, spectators were issued a rain check – a voucher allowing them free admission to a future game.
- This idea of deferring an entitlement due to postponement was then applied more broadly to social invitations and offers.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Gotta bail this time, maybe next time?
- Can't make it, but let's do it soon.
More Formal (implies definite rescheduling):
- Could we perhaps postpone until...?
- Would it be possible to reschedule for another time?
Simple Decline (doesn't imply future):
- I can't make it, sorry.
- Thanks, but I won't be able to.
Situational Appropriateness
- Appropriate for most informal and semi-formal social invitations (drinks, dinner, coffee, events).
- It's generally considered polite because it softens the rejection and implies continued interest.
- Using it repeatedly without ever following up can seem insincere or evasive.
- Less common for very formal invitations (like weddings), where a standard RSVP decline is expected.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Generally well-understood. The main nuance is that it implies a genuine *desire* to accept later, even if a specific date isn't set. If someone uses it when they have no intention of ever accepting, it can be perceived as misleading.
Examples
- I'm busy tonight, sorry. Can I take a rain check on that drink?
- Thanks for inviting me, but I'll have to take a rain check this time.
- Person A: Want to go see that film on Friday? Person B: Can we take a rain check? I'm working late.
Dialogue
Alex: Hey, there's a new exhibition at the gallery. Fancy going this weekend?
Sam: Oh, that sounds great, but I'm visiting my parents this weekend. Can we take a rain check? I'd love to see it.
Alex: Absolutely! No problem at all. Just give me a shout when you're free next.
Social Media Examples
- Reply to event invite: So sorry, can't make this date! Can I take a rain check for the next meetup? 😊
- DM: Hey! Thanks for the invite to the party. Sounds fun, but I have other plans that night. Rain check?
- Tweet: Was supposed to meet a friend for lunch but feeling under the weather. Taking a rain check. Bummer!
Response Patterns
- Acceptance/Understanding: Sure, no problem. / Okay, definitely! / Another time then. / No worries, let me know when works.
- Mild disappointment (but still accepting): Oh, okay. Shame! Let's do it soon though.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
By the person declining:
- Might suggest a potential future time (Maybe next week?).
- Might express enthusiasm for doing it later (Definitely want to catch up soon though!).
By the person whose invitation was declined:
- Might confirm the intention (Okay, let me know when you're free.).
- Might suggest a specific alternative time later (How about next Saturday?).
Conversation Starter
- No. It is a response used when declining an offer or invitation.
Intonation
- Usually polite, often slightly apologetic.
- Stress typically falls on RAIN CHECK.
- Can I take a RAIN CHECK?
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used across all generations.
Regional Variations
- Originated in the US and is extremely common there.
- Also widely used and understood in Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and other English-speaking countries. It has become a standard idiom globally.