Pour down Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pour down

[pɔːr daʊn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Phrasal verb}

weather

To rain heavily or in large quantities.

Synonyms

bucket down, come down in torrents, rain heavily.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pour down	Use this when describing rain that is falling very hard and heavily. It started to pour down just as we were leaving the house. It will pour down all night according to the weather forecast.
rain heavily	This is a straightforward way to describe a situation where there is a lot of rain. It will rain heavily this afternoon, so be prepared for wet conditions. Last night, it rained heavily and caused some flooding in the area.
come down in torrents	This phrase is used to emphasize the intensity of the rain, suggesting it is coming down in large volumes. The rain was coming down in torrents, making it impossible to see the road. We had to cancel our plans because it started coming down in torrents.
bucket down	This is a more informal way of saying it is raining very heavily. It's really bucketing down out there; maybe we should wait a bit before leaving. During the match, it began to bucket down, soaking all the players.

Examples of usage

It started to pour down just as we were leaving the house.
The rain poured down all day, flooding the streets.
They got caught in a sudden downpour, and the rain poured down relentlessly.

^{Context #2 | Phrasal verb}

actions

To happen or occur in large amounts or intensively.

Synonyms

flow in, pour in, stream in.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pour down	Used to describe heavy rain falling from the sky, often in large quantities. It started to pour down as soon as we left the house. The rain poured down all night, causing floods in the lower areas.
flow in	Used to describe a continuous and steady movement of people, money, or things entering a place or system. Donations began to flow in after the charity's plea for help. Tourists continued to flow in despite the bad weather.
stream in	Describes a steady and continuous arrival of people or things, suggesting a smooth and unbroken flow. Fans began to stream in as soon as the gates opened. Light streamed in through the large windows, filling the room with warmth.
pour in	Describes a large number of people, things, or quantities arriving or being delivered suddenly and in large amounts. Applications for the new job position have started to pour in. The money from the fundraiser continued to pour in over the weekend.

Examples of usage

The donations poured down after the charity appeal was broadcast.
Support for the cause poured down from all over the country.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Weather

Heavy rain that falls in a short time can lead to flash floods, which happen when water collects quickly.
Meteorologists often use the term 'pouring' to describe intense rain, indicating a significant amount of water falling at once.

Idiomatic Expressions

To 'pour down' can also mean to give a lot of something quickly, like when someone pours down kindness or advice.
In some cultures, expressions similar to 'pour down' imply abundance or an overwhelming amount of something, enhancing the imagery of generosity.

Cultural References

Songs about rain often use the phrase 'pour down' to express deep emotions, symbolizing sadness or cleansing.
In literature, pouring rain can symbolize a turning point in a story, often representing a release or change.

Physics

Rain 'pours down' due to gravity, as clouds become heavy with water droplets and can no longer hold them up.
The rate at which rain pours down is measured in millimeters per hour, showing how quickly it can accumulate on the ground.

Environmental Impact

Heavy rain can significantly influence local ecosystems, as it replenishes water sources and affects plant and animal life.
Urban areas can suffer from poor drainage during heavy rain, leading to waterlogged streets and increased pollution runoff.

Origin of 'pour down'

The phrase 'pour down' originated from the Old French word 'pur' meaning 'pure' and the Latin word 'durare' meaning 'to last or endure'. Over time, the phrase evolved to refer to something falling rapidly and heavily, such as rain or donations. It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe intense rainfall or a sudden influx of something.