As right as rain

Posted by Steve E on June 06, 2005

In Reply to: As right as rain posted by Smokey Stover on June 06, 2005

: : : Where does the saying "As right as Rain" come from and what does it mean.

: : RIGHT AS RAIN - "Definitely correct; just the way it should be. It could just as well be 'right as clouds' or any number of other things, but 'rain' it is, doubtless because of the allure of alliteration. The expression has had heavy work since the late 19th century, but an example from 1909 (in Max Beerbohm's 'Yet Again') has the virtue of offerin two cliches in one sentence: 'He looked.'fit as a fiddle', or 'right as rain'.'" From The Dictionary of Cliches by James Rogers (Ballantine Books, New York, 1985).

: : Search the Discussion Forum under "rain" for more information.

: Boy, does that explanation ever shatter an illusion! I grew up believing that there was actually something right about rain, especially as I grew up in farming country, where rain was rarely wrong. SS

I agree with SS. I grew up understanding the expression to be from a farmer's perspective because they depend on the rain for a good crop therefore rain was always right and could never be wrong.

• As right as rain Smokey Stover 07/June/05
  • As right as rain Steve E 07/June/05