Definition

Noun: A future time of financial difficulty or unexpected need, for which it is prudent to save money. The term emphasizes the importance of financial preparedness for unforeseen circumstances.

Usage

This term is almost exclusively used in the context of personal finance and saving money. It is most commonly found in the idiomatic phrase "save for a rainy day." It describes a metaphorical future event (the "rainy day") when extra money will be necessary.

Examples

• She puts a little money aside every month for a rainy day.
• My grandfather always advised me to save for a rainy day.
• This emergency fund is meant for a rainy day; we shouldn't touch it for a vacation.
• He had to dip into his rainy day savings to pay for the car repairs.

Advanced Usage

• "A rainy day fund": A specific savings account or amount of money reserved for emergencies.
  • It's wise to have a rainy day fund that can cover at least three months of expenses.

Variants and Related Words

• Rainy-day (adjective): Used attributively to describe something related to this concept of saving for future need.
  • She keeps her rainy-day money in a separate account.

Synonyms

• Emergency
• Contingency
• Time of need
• Hard times

Related Idioms

• "Save for a rainy day": To set aside money for future emergencies or unforeseen needs.
  • Even though his job is secure, he continues to save for a rainy day.

Noun

1. a (future) time of financial need
   • I am saving for a rainy day