raining cats and dogs
Raining very heavily
字面意思: Animals (cats and dogs) are falling from the sky like rain.
Use this when the rain is so heavy you'd get soaked in seconds.
15秒了解
- Used to describe extremely heavy, intense rainfall.
- A very common, slightly old-fashioned idiomatic expression.
- Best for casual conversations and colorful storytelling.
意思
It describes a heavy downpour where the rain is falling very hard and fast. Imagine looking out your window and seeing a literal wall of water.
关键例句
3 / 6Checking the weather before leaving
I'm staying inside because it's raining cats and dogs out there!
I'm staying inside because it's raining very heavily out there!
Arriving at a friend's house soaking wet
Sorry I'm late, it started raining cats and dogs while I was walking.
Sorry I'm late, it started raining very hard while I was walking.
A casual office chat
Did you hear the storm last night? It was raining cats and dogs!
Did you hear the storm? It was raining very heavily!
文化背景
This idiom has been used in English literature since at least the 17th century. It likely gained massive popularity after being used by Jonathan Swift in 1738. It highlights the English-speaking world's historical tendency to use animal imagery for chaotic natural events.
Don't take it literally
No animals are actually falling. If you look for kittens on the sidewalk, people will be very confused!
The 'British' Factor
While used globally, this phrase is the ultimate 'British weather' cliché. Using it makes you sound very familiar with UK culture.
15秒了解
- Used to describe extremely heavy, intense rainfall.
- A very common, slightly old-fashioned idiomatic expression.
- Best for casual conversations and colorful storytelling.
What It Means
It simply means it is raining very heavily. You use it when a light drizzle turns into a massive storm. It implies the rain is loud and intense. You cannot see clearly through the water. It is one of the most famous English idioms ever.
How To Use It
Use it as a descriptive statement about the weather. You usually say it is raining cats and dogs. You can also say it was raining cats and dogs for the past. It functions as a complete thought or a reason for staying inside. Don't try to change the animals to birds and cows. It only works with cats and dogs.
When To Use It
Use it when you are soaked after walking from your car. It is perfect for small talk with neighbors or colleagues. Use it when you need an excuse to cancel outdoor plans. It adds a bit of color to a boring weather report. It is great for dramatic effect during a thunderstorm.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it during a light mist or sprinkle. People will think you are being sarcastic or confused. Avoid using it in highly technical weather reports. A meteorologist would say heavy precipitation instead. It is a bit old-fashioned, so don't overused it in every rainstorm. If it is just a normal rain, stick to it's raining.
Cultural Background
Nobody is 100% sure where this started. One theory involves old thatched roofs in England. During heavy rain, pets hiding in the straw would wash away. Another theory points to Norse mythology and storm gods. Regardless of the origin, it has been popular since the 1700s. It reflects the British obsession with talking about the weather.
Common Variations
There aren't many variations of this specific phrase. You might hear it's tipping it down in the UK. Some people say it's pouring or it's coming down in buckets. In parts of the Southern US, you might hear it's a frog-strangler. However, cats and dogs remains the international standard for this idiom.
使用说明
This is a classic 'Level B1' idiom. It is safe for almost all casual situations, but because it is so well-known, it can sometimes feel a little unoriginal.
Don't take it literally
No animals are actually falling. If you look for kittens on the sidewalk, people will be very confused!
The 'British' Factor
While used globally, this phrase is the ultimate 'British weather' cliché. Using it makes you sound very familiar with UK culture.
The 'Old' Vibe
Some younger speakers find this phrase a bit 'cliché' or 'grandpa-style'. Use it sparingly to avoid sounding like a textbook.
例句
6I'm staying inside because it's raining cats and dogs out there!
I'm staying inside because it's raining very heavily out there!
Used as a reason for changing behavior.
Sorry I'm late, it started raining cats and dogs while I was walking.
Sorry I'm late, it started raining very hard while I was walking.
Explaining a situation with a bit of drama.
Did you hear the storm last night? It was raining cats and dogs!
Did you hear the storm? It was raining very heavily!
Used for small talk about past events.
Traffic is terrible because it's raining cats and dogs. Be home late!
Traffic is bad because of the heavy rain. Be home late!
Short, punchy use in digital communication.
If it keeps raining cats and dogs, I'll need to buy a boat.
If it keeps raining this hard, I'll need a boat.
Hyperbole used for comedic effect.
We went to the beach, but it rained cats and dogs the whole time.
We went to the beach, but it rained heavily the whole time.
Expressing disappointment about the weather.
自我测试
Choose the correct animals to complete the idiom.
Grab your umbrella! It's raining ___ and ___.
The idiom is fixed; only 'cats and dogs' is used to mean heavy rain.
Identify the best situation for this phrase.
You would say it's 'raining cats and dogs' when...
The phrase specifically describes very heavy, intense rain.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality of 'Raining Cats and Dogs'
Too common for street slang.
N/A
Perfect for friends and family.
It's raining cats and dogs, stay here!
Fine for casual office talk.
It was raining cats and dogs this morning.
Too colorful for legal or scientific docs.
Avoid in reports.
Where to use 'Raining Cats and Dogs'
Small Talk
Can you believe this weather?
Excuses
I can't come out in this!
Driving
I can barely see the road!
Storytelling
Then the sky opened up...
常见问题
11 个问题No, it is purely metaphorical. It describes the sound and intensity of heavy rain, not literal pets falling from the sky.
No, idioms are fixed. You must use cats and dogs or the phrase loses its meaning.
Yes, but it is considered a bit of a cliché. You will hear it often in casual conversation, but less so in modern pop songs or movies.
Yes, if you are making small talk about the weather. It is not rude, just informal and friendly.
There are many theories, including dead animals being washed down city streets in the 1700s or Norse myths about dogs (wind) and cats (rain).
No, it is strictly for rain. For heavy snow, you would say it's snowing hard or there is a blizzard.
Yes, you can simply say it's pouring or it's bucketing down.
It likely represents the 'fighting' noise of a loud storm, similar to the noise cats and dogs make when they fight.
No, do not say raining like cats and dogs. The standard form is just raining cats and dogs.
It is used in both, but it is often associated with British English because of their frequent rain.
Avoid it in formal writing. Use heavy rainfall or torrential rain instead.
相关表达
It's bucketing down (Very heavy rain)
A downpour (A sudden, heavy rain)
It's pouring (Raining hard)
Tipping it down (UK slang for heavy rain)
Cloudburst (A sudden, very heavy rainstorm)
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