Idiom
raining cats and dogs
To rain very heavily.
Meanings
Used to describe weather where it is raining extremely heavily, often with strong winds.
Definition
This idiom describes extremely heavy rainfall. It means that the rain is falling with great intensity and volume, often making it difficult or impossible to go outside. It implies a severe downpour rather than a light shower.
Examples
- We had to cancel the outdoor concert because it was raining cats and dogs all evening.
- Don't forget your sturdy umbrella; it's really raining cats and dogs out there right now.
- The children couldn't play in the park when it started raining cats and dogs this afternoon.
- I hope it stops raining cats and dogs soon; I need to walk the dog before it gets too late.
Common mistake
A common mistake is trying to interpret the idiom literally or thinking it refers to actual animals falling from the sky.
More idioms
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- close but no cigar Used to say someone almost succeeded but did not quite achieve the goal.
- down to the wire Used to say something is decided or finished only at the last possible moment.
- lost the plot To become confused or behave in a way that no longer makes sense.
- ducks in a row To have everything organized and ready for action.