rain cats and dogs

Idioms are generally defined as groups of words that form a meaningful whole when they come together, even though the words in them do not make sense on their own. They have produced many idioms according to their own cultural characteristics in communities using the English language. What does rain cats and dogs mean? In what situations is rain cats and dogs used?

Meaning of "rain cats and dogs"

Meaning

The phrase 'rain cats and dogs' is an English idiom used to describe rain that is coming down from the sky in a very heavy manner. It is often used as an expression of exaggeration to emphasize the amount of rainfall. It does not mean that actual cats and dogs are falling from the sky.

Etymology

The phrase 'rain cats and dogs' is said to have originated in the 17th century, although the exact origin of the phrase is unknown. It has been suggested that the phrase was derived from the Greek expression 'Katadoupoi', which means 'to rain as if a river had turned its course downwards'. It is also possible that it was an alteration of the phrase 'cadgadrops', which was used to describe a very heavy rainstorm.

Usage

The phrase 'rain cats and dogs' is typically used when one is talking about a particularly heavy downpour of rain. It is not used to describe light or moderate rain, but rather rain that is intense and could be described as a torrential downpour. The phrase can also be used in other contexts, such as to describe a situation that is chaotic or out of control, as if it is raining cats and dogs.

Example Sentences

• It started raining cats and dogs, and we had to run for cover.
• Things have been chaotic around here, it's like it's raining cats and dogs.
• I couldn't believe how hard it was raining, it was like cats and dogs.
• The forecast said it was going to rain cats and dogs, so I was prepared for a downpour.

The Global Spread of English Idioms

As English has become a global language, its idioms have spread far beyond the borders of the UK and USA. For instance, the idiom "beat around the bush" has equivalents in many other languages, such as "tourner autour du pot" in French and "dar vueltas al asunto" in Spanish. Meanwhile, other idioms have been adapted for local contexts, such as the Russian idiom "?? ???? ???????" (ne svoya rubashka), which translates to "not one's own shirt," meaning to be in an uncomfortable or unfamiliar situation.