Meaning
To rain very hard.
Cultural Background
The British are famous for talking about the weather. This phrase is a classic, though slightly dated, way to complain about the frequent rain. Used in the US, but often recognized as a 'storyteller's' phrase rather than everyday slang. Australians often prefer more direct slang like 'bucketing down'. Similar to the US, it is understood but less common than direct descriptions of the storm.
Don't translate literally
Never translate this phrase word-for-word into your own language, as it won't make sense.
Avoid in formal writing
Keep this for your friends and family only.
Meaning
To rain very hard.
Don't translate literally
Never translate this phrase word-for-word into your own language, as it won't make sense.
Avoid in formal writing
Keep this for your friends and family only.
Use synonyms
If you feel silly saying this, use 'it's pouring' instead.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words.
It is raining ____ and ____.
The idiom is fixed as 'cats and dogs'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the correct sentence.
The idiom must be in the plural and continuous form.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You see a very heavy storm outside. What do you say?
This phrase is used for heavy rain.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Should we go to the park? B: No, look outside! It's ________.
The context implies bad weather.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIt is raining ____ and ____.
The idiom is fixed as 'cats and dogs'.
Choose the correct sentence.
The idiom must be in the plural and continuous form.
You see a very heavy storm outside. What do you say?
This phrase is used for heavy rain.
A: Should we go to the park? B: No, look outside! It's ________.
The context implies bad weather.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, the order is fixed as 'cats and dogs'.
I am an AI, I don't know your location!
It's just a traditional idiom; there is no logical reason.
No, it is perfectly polite.
No, it is too informal.
It is used in both, though it is becoming less common in daily speech.
Then you should not use this phrase. Use 'it's drizzling' instead.
Not common ones in English.
Like 'cats' (with an s) and 'dogs' (with a z sound).
No, it is an idiom.
Yes, it can be fun in creative writing.
Use it when you see a heavy rainstorm.
Related Phrases
Bucketing down
synonymRaining very hard
Pouring
synonymRaining hard
Coming down in sheets
similarHeavy rain
A deluge
synonymA massive amount of rain
