As correctly stated, this is a literal phrase dating from 17th century England. Back in the day, peasants used what little land they owned for crops and such, so could not afford to keep cats and dogs on their land. As a result, people used to keep their animals on the thatched roofs of their cottages. When it rained heavily, the thatching became very perilous and slippery, causing the cats and dogs to fall off!
by NickR June 9, 2005
We say it's raining cats and dogs when there is a heavy downpour. It simply means a heavy rain.
The saying presents an interesting image of animals falling from the sky, that doesn't seem to have much to do with torrential rain, and experts aren't certain about its origin.
The most likely and least appealing theory is that rain storms in 17th century England would carry the bodies of dead animals through the dirty city streets inspiring people to say "it's raining cats and dogs"
The saying presents an interesting image of animals falling from the sky, that doesn't seem to have much to do with torrential rain, and experts aren't certain about its origin.
The most likely and least appealing theory is that rain storms in 17th century England would carry the bodies of dead animals through the dirty city streets inspiring people to say "it's raining cats and dogs"
Example: -Sorry I'm late for work it's raining cats and dogs and the streets are flooded.
-when it rains cats and dogs, you tend to get very wet.
-when it rains cats and dogs, you tend to get very wet.
by NB1906 August 29, 2022
Be sure to bring an umbrella, the weatherman said there's a 70% chance that it will be raining up a dog's ass by this evening.
by AtomicSquid February 2, 2010
by LaWSiR August 18, 2006
Country phrase referring to turtles crossing the road in search of a mate which typically occurs during the spring/summer warm and rainy season, hence the name 'rain dog'.
by Appalachy May 18, 2023