take a rain check

present singular third person takes a rain check · participle present taking a rain check · past took a rain check · participle past taken a rain check · alternative take a raincheck

1. To request or accept a rain check (an agreement from a merchant to honor a special offer, temporarily unavailable, after the expiration date).
2. figurativelyIn social interactions, to request a deferred invitation, as a polite way to turn down an engagement, usually with the implication that one is simply postponing it and another time might be acceptable.

   I can't go with you to the museum this Saturday, but can I take a rain check?

   2 more examples

   "Would you mind if we took a rain check on our trip to Boston today?" Her hair lay spread around the pillow, and he combed it with his fingers, smoothing it around her head.

   1996, Joe Hutsko, Undo

   If you don't like the news then press eject / Baby Davis, getting older, can't take a rain check

   2004, “It Takes Time to Build”, in To the 5 Boroughs, performed by Beastie Boys

   Synonyms: raincheck