rain cats and dogs

Are you using the idiom rain cats and dogs but not sure about its meaning? Using idioms, which are important elements of spoken and written language, in the right place strengthens your language skills. Examine the meaning of the rain cats and dogs idiom and the situations in which it is 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 power of idioms transcends languages!

"Putting the cart before the horse" is an English idiom that means doing things in the wrong order. In Russian, the similar idiom is "Кладёт колесо впереди лошади," which translates to "Putting the cart before the horse." This idiom emphasizes the idea that doing things in the wrong order can lead to confusion and problems down the line.