To take a rain check

Meaning

To postpone an engagement

Examples

• John: Are you free for dinner tonight?
• Alice: I'm so sorry, but I have a prior engagement. Can I <b>take a rain check</b>?
• John: Sure, how about next week then?
• Alice: That sounds perfect! I would really prefer not to miss out on our dinner plans. Thanks for understanding. Let's make sure to never need to <b>take a rain check</b> on this again.