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What is the origin of it's "raining cats and dogs"?

Gabriela Sánchez
Gabriela Sánchez
What is the origin of it's "raining cats and dogs"?
Hi Ms., during our family game night, we came across the phrase 'raining cats and dogs' in a trivia question. My kids and I are so curious about its origin.
Gabriela_Sánchez
1
Last update: 1 month ago
1 answers
Lauren P
Lauren P
Lauren P - Tutor account
Near Native Speaker
Philippines

Hi Gabriela! That’s a great question. I also looked into it further to ensure accuracy.

The phrase "raining cats and dogs" means it's raining really hard. No one knows for sure where it came from, but there are some interesting ideas:

  1. In old stories, cats were connected to storms, and dogs were linked to strong winds. So, people might have used "raining cats and dogs" to describe stormy weather. 
  2. In England a long time ago, when it rained a lot, stray animals like cats and dogs sometimes got washed into the streets. This might have led people to use the phrase. 
  3. Another idea comes from an old myth where dogs represented wind, and cats symbolized rain.

Check this site for more information!

Thanks, and I hope this answers your question!

0
Last update: 3 months ago
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