Answer: This phrase originally referred to a voucher given to spectators at a baseball game that was rained out. The “rain check” allowed them to watch another game for free.

Why do Americans say take a rain check?

Note: This expression refers to baseball. If a baseball game was cancelled because of rain, people were entitled to see another game by showing their original ticket or receipt. This ticket was called a rain check.

What does it mean when someone says raincheck?

: a ticket given to people so that they can go to another event (such as a baseball game) if the one they were watching or planning to go to is canceled or stopped because of rain. : a promise to allow someone to buy or do something in the future because it is not possible to buy or do it now.