It never rains but it pours Meaning in English
expression
Definition
This expression means that when a bad thing happens, it is often followed by more bad events, not just one problem but many at once.
Usage & Nuances
This is a proverb, not literal, and is used in negative situations to express frustration or surprise at multiple problems. Some people may shorten it to 'when it rains, it pours.' It is never used for positive events.
Example Sentences
It never rains but it pours—first I lost my wallet, then my phone stopped working.
basic
He failed his exam and got sick the next day. It never rains but it pours.
basic
When the car broke down right after the sink leaked, she said, 'It never rains but it pours.'
basic
Our team just can't get a break—it never rains but it pours these days.
natural
I missed my train, and then it started raining. It never rains but it pours, huh?
natural
First the power went out, then the internet crashed—it never rains but it pours around here.
natural