rainy-day
UK[ˈreɪni deɪ]US[ˈreɪni deɪ]
adj
Relating to or intended for a future time of need, especially financial need
Morpheme Breakdown
rainy
day
rainy
adjective
day
noun
Etymology
The compound "rainy-day" is a metaphorical extension of its literal meaning. It originates from the common English proverb "save for a rainy day," which advises putting something aside for a future time of misfortune or need, much as one would prepare for a period of bad weather. The logic connects the literal inconvenience and gloom of a rainy day to abstract future hardships, particularly financial ones. Over time, this proverbial phrase condensed into a hyphenated adjective directly describing funds or preparations meant for such future contingencies.
Analysis
Structure: rainy (adjective) + day (noun)
rainy: From Old English regnig, from regn (rain) + -ig (adjective-forming suffix). Germanic origin.
day: From Old English dæg, meaning a 24-hour period or the daylight hours. Germanic origin.
Examples
She has a sizable rainy-day fund for unexpected expenses.
It's wise to have some rainy-day savings in case of a job loss.
The government is setting aside a rainy-day reserve to stabilize the economy during a downturn.