English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Raining cats and dogs
Meaning
"Raining cats and dogs" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a very heavy rainstorm. It does not literally mean that cats and dogs are falling from the sky, but rather it is a figurative way of expressing how intense the rainfall is. This idiom is often used to emphasize the severity or intensity of the rain.
Usage
- "I forgot my umbrella at home and now I'm completely soaked. It's raining cats and dogs out there!"
- "The construction workers on the site are struggling to keep up with the rain. It's been raining cats and dogs all day."
- "The children were excited to play in the rain, but now they're cold and wet. It was raining cats and dogs out there!"
- "I didn't think it would rain this heavily today, but I should have brought an extra layer of protection. It's been raining cats and dogs."
- "The weather forecast predicted some rain, but not this much. It's been raining cats and dogs all afternoon."
Roots and History
The origin of the phrase is unclear, but it has been in use since at least the 18th century. One theory suggests that it comes from a nursery rhyme about a cat and a dog dancing in the rain. Another theory is that it was used to describe a sudden downpour of rain that would flood a nearby river or stream, causing fish to swim out of their water and float on top of the water like cats and dogs. Over time, the phrase has taken on a more general meaning and is now used to describe any heavy rainstorm.
Synonyms in English
- Pouring down
- Torrential
- Drenching
- Heavy downpour
- Deluge
Synonyms in other languages
- Spanish: Llover a llover (to rain constantly)
- French: Pleurer des cordes (to cry like a string)
- Italian: Piovere a fior d'acqua (to rain like water)
- German: Regensturmschauer (rainstorm watcher)
- Russian: Осада (siege)