make it rain: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘make it rain’ mean?
The idiom "make it rain" means to throw a large amount of money in the air, typically in a showy or extravagant manner, as a demonstration of wealth or to celebrate success.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "throw money away" means to spend money on something that is essentially wasteful or unnecessary, resulting in a loss of money or resources.
This phrase suggests a careless or frivolous attitude towards money, implying that the person is not concerned about the value or usefulness of what they are spending their money on.
The idiom *rain down* means to fall or descend in large quantities or with force, often used metaphorically to describe a sudden and overwhelming occurrence or event.
The idiom "open the floodgates" means to remove a barrier or restriction, allowing a large amount of something to flow freely. It can be used metaphorically to describe a sudden release or increase in quantity or intensity.
The idiom "more than you can shake a stick at" means having an overwhelming or excessive amount of something.
Idiom: more than you can shake a stick at
Meaning: A large or excessive amount; more than one can handle or comprehend.
The idiom "more cry than wool" describes a situation where there is a lot of noise or commotion, but little substance or result. It originated from sheep farming, where the primary goal is to obtain wool from the sheep.
The idiom "money's worth" means receiving value or benefit equal to the amount of money paid for something.
The idiom "money for jam" means easy money or a task that requires little effort but pays well.
The idiom "money for jam" is a phrase that describes a situation where someone can easily obtain or make money with little effort or skill. It combines the meanings of "money" and "jam" to symbolize an easy and enjoyable way to earn income.
The idiom *make the weather* means to have a significant impact or influence on a situation or to be in a position of power and control.
The idiom "make it up as one goes along" means to improvise or create something without a plan or preparation. It refers to the act of inventing or deciding things spontaneously as the situation unfolds, without prior knowledge or set rules.
Unmasking the Shower
The idiom "make it rain" is a colloquial expression that originated in the United States. It is commonly used in popular culture, especially in the context of hip-hop music and the entertainment industry. The phrase typically refers to the act of throwing or showering large amounts of paper currency into the air or onto a crowd, often in a celebratory or extravagant manner. While the idiom itself does not have a definitive origin or etymology, its usage has become widely recognized and associated with wealth, opulence, raining down, and the display of financial abundance.
One key aspect of the idiom "make it rain" is its use in the context of strip clubs. This expression gained prominence in the early 2000s, particularly in connection with hip-hop culture and the lavish spending habits often associated with it. In strip club settings, the act of making it rain involves tossing money, usually in the form of dollar bills, onto the stage or dance floor as an expression of appreciation for the performers. The practice exemplifies a display of affluence, raining down money, and a desire to showcase wealth and status.
The phrase "make it rain" has also permeated other areas of popular culture, including movies, television shows, and mainstream music. It has become a metaphorical way to convey the notion of abundance, success, and indulgence. The act of making it rain is often portrayed as a symbol of achievement and power, reflecting the ability to freely spend money without concern for its value.
While the idiom primarily relates to financial extravagance, it can also be used more figuratively to describe a situation in which one experiences a sudden and substantial increase in success, opportunities, or resources. For example, someone may say they are "making it rain" in their career if they receive a series of lucrative job offers or if they achieve a significant promotion. The idiom "make it rain" can also be related to the idiom "rain down", which suggests a heavy or abundant falling of something. In this sense, "make it rain" can be seen as a more specific and vivid expression of "rain down", emphasizing the luxurious and generous nature of the abundance.
It is worth noting that the idiom "make it rain" can be perceived as culturally specific to the United States, particularly within the realm of hip-hop and urban culture. Its usage may not be as prevalent or widely understood in other English-speaking countries or cultural contexts. However, the concept of "making it rain" can be related to the idiom "make the weather", which signifies the ability to exert control or influence over a situation. Just as "making it rain" involves a lavish and extravagant display of wealth, "making the weather" implies the power to shape and dictate the course of events.
The idiom "make it rain" has become a popular expression associated with opulence, extravagance, and financial display. Its origins can be traced to the hip-hop and entertainment industry, specifically in relation to strip club culture. The phrase has expanded its meaning to represent success, abundance, and the attainment of resources. While its usage may vary across different cultural contexts, "make it rain" remains a recognizable idiom, symbolizing the ostentatious and celebratory manifestation of wealth. In this sense, "make it rain" can be seen as a combination of "raining down" and "making the weather", encapsulating the ideas of lavish abundance and the ability to shape one's own destiny.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "make it rain" can be used in a sentence:
- He walked into the club and made it rain with a handful of hundred dollar bills.
- The billionaire decided to make it rain by donating a huge sum of money to the charity.
- When the team won the championship, the coach celebrated by making it rain with champagne.
The phrase "make it rain" is commonly used to describe an action of throwing or dispersing a large amount of money or objects in a celebratory or extravagant manner. However, it can also be used metaphorically to signify generosity or abundance in a non-literal sense.
More "Slang" idioms
