It never rains but it pours

usgb
proverb

Bad events or situations often happen all at once or in rapid succession.

After losing their main investor, the company was hit with a serious lawsuit. It never rains but it pours.
Visual representation of "it never rains but it pours" - Bad events or situations often happen all at once or in rapid succession.

Often appears as...

  • when it rains
  • it pours; pouring rain; in a downpour

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "it never rains but it pours"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Phrase Origin

The phrase comes from the idea that problems can fall heavily like a sudden rainstorm.

Illustration for Phrase Origin
With the recent flooding and now a power outage, it never rains but it pours.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Figurative Meaning

Used figuratively, it describes a situation where many difficult things happen at once.

Illustration for Figurative Meaning
First the car broke down, then we got locked out. It never rains but it pours.
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Not Literal

The phrase isn't about actual rain—it's a metaphor for an overwhelming number of problems.

Illustration for Not Literal
He lost his job, and his house was burglarized the same week. It never rains but it pours.
Visual representation of the word "It never rains but it pours"

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