idiom · neutral
save up for a rainy day
UK/seɪv ʌp fə(r) ə ˈreɪni deɪ/US/seɪv ʌp fɔr ə ˈreɪni deɪ/save up for a RAIN·y DAY
to put money aside now so you have it for future emergencies or needs
Examples
“I try to save up for a rainy day by putting a little aside each month.”
“Families often save up for a rainy day because unexpected costs can appear any time.”
“It’s sensible to save up for a rainy day rather than borrow at high interest when trouble comes.”
Band 8 sentence
“Given the volatility of the job market, it's prudent to save up for a rainy day rather than rely solely on credit.”
Collocations
- save up for a rainy day / save money for a rainy day
- put aside / build up savings
Word family
Common mistakes
save for rainy day→save up for a rainy day
save money for rain day→save up for a rainy day
Say it for a higher band
5save money→6put money aside→7+save up for a rainy day
Synonyms
put aside
set money aside
Easily confused
put aside
“She puts aside a portion of her salary every month.”
Related words
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In Money
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