take/get a rain check

hy2007

\"Take/get a rain check.\"


Definition
==========
A promise by the merchant to sell you an item for the sale
price even when he doesn't have any in stock, and he may not
have any until the sale is over.

Alternate meaning: to postpone something


Example
=======
\"We apologize that our shipment of the TV that was supposed
to be on sale has not arrived yet. Would you take a rain check?
You can come back when we do have it in, and you will still pay
the lower price.\"

Or from the other side...

\"You were supposed to have the TV's that are on sale, but you
don't. Does that mean I get a rain check?\"


Alternate example
=================
\"I am afraid something just came up, and I won't be able to go
to the movie with you guys. Can you guys take a rain check?\"


Origin
======
American baseball organizers started issuing \"rain checks\" in 19th
century for games that were delayed/cancelled due to rain to
spectators who have purchased tickets. The rain checks are good for
a game in the future.

hlzhou66

take/get a rain check
It means to refuse an invitation or something else for the time and make it next time .
It also means to put off something.