If you're unfamiliar with the raining cats and dogs idiom, hearing or reading that phase must seem quite shocking. Fortunately, it's not terminology that's meant to be taken literally. Discover how to interpret "raining cats and dogs" meaning and learn about the possible origins of this very unusual-sounding figure of speech. Show
Raining Cats and Dogs MeaningThe phrase raining cats and dogs means that it is raining very hard. It is an idiom used to indicate that there is a torrential rainstorm going on. One would use this expression when it is raining very hard and heavily over an extended period of time. Raining Cats and Dogs OriginThe origin of the expression "raining cats and dogs" is unknown. There are a few ideas about where the "raining cats and dogs" idiom came from, but no one knows for sure. Like many common expressions, this figurative phrase has been around for centuries. Thoughts on the origin of this phrase are speculative in nature.
While it's impossible to know which, if any, of the above musings on the origin of the "raining cats and dogs" meaning might actually be true, it's certainly fun and interesting to speculate. Literary References to Raining Cats and DogsThere are many examples of idioms in literature. In the case of "raining cats and dogs," there are records of the exact phrase and similar wording in British literature as far back as the 17th century.
Sentence Examples With Raining Cats and DogsThe "raining cats and dogs" idiom is commonly used in English language sentences, as are many other examples of figurative language.
Raining Cats and Dogs SynonymsThere are some other ways to express the same idea as the "raining cats and dogs" idiom. Choose one of the options below instead of "raining cats and dogs," or to use in addition the expression so you can incorporate some variety into your writing.
Using Idioms in Your WritingNow that you're familiar with the "raining cats and dogs" meaning and the possible origins of this unique idiom, take the time to consider how you can use idioms in your own writing. Start by discovering how idioms can make your writing more interesting. Then, get to know some other idioms that relate to everyday occurrences and items. For example, learn about the origins of "beat around the bush." Then, discover what "when pigs fly" means. From there, explore idioms about money. What is an example of raining cats and dogs?“Cats and dogs” may come from the Greek expression cata doxa, which means “contrary to experience or belief.” If it is raining cats and dogs, it is raining unusually or unbelievably hard. “Cats and dogs” may be a perversion of the now obsolete word catadupe. In old English, catadupe meant a cataract or waterfall.
How do you use raining cats and dogs in a sentence?It's Raining Cats and Dogs means: A heavy downpour, rain coming down very quickly and hard. Example of use: “There's no way they'll be playing at the park, it's raining cats and dogs out there!”
Is its raining cats and dogs a idiom?When we say it rains heavily or rains cats and dogs we mean it rains a lot at a particular moment in time. The opposite is a small amount of rain: light rain or rains lightly or drizzles. You can use this idiom in any verb tense form: rained cats and dogs, rains cats and dogs, is raining cats and dogs, etc.
What are 5 examples of idiom?Common Idioms in English. Getting fired turned out to be a blessing in disguise. ... . These red poppies are a dime a dozen. ... . Don't beat around the bush. ... . After some reflection, he decided to bite the bullet. ... . I'm going to call it a night. ... . He's got a chip on his shoulder. ... . Would you cut me some slack? - Don't be so hard on me.. |