C

EXPRESSIONS

It's raining cats and dogs 

QUOTE    

(Man) It's cats and dogs outside.

(Woman) Yes, it's raining cats and dogs.

MEANING

This expression means to rain very heavily.

ETYMOLOGY

About 1500, houses had thatched roofs -- thick straw -- piled high, with no wood underneath. It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the dogs, cats and other small animals (mice, bugs) lived in the roof. When it rained it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip and fall off the roof - hence the saying "It's raining cats and dogs."

CATEGORY

 idiom

SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS IN FRENCH:

The french equivalent is "Il tombe des hallebardes".

USE

 You can use this expression safely. 

FOLLOW-UP

Another expression with the word "cat" is "to let the cat out of the bag". If you think you can explain this expression, feel free to send your explanation and we will add it to this page.

Click here to send your message