In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe a very heavy, intense downpour of rain.
- The French equivalent of the English 'raining cats and dogs.'
- Uses the image of thick ropes falling from the sky.
Meaning
This phrase is the French way of saying it is raining extremely hard. Imagine the rain coming down in thick, heavy lines that look like ropes falling from the sky.
Key Examples
3 of 6Checking the weather before heading out
Je ne sors pas maintenant, il pleut des cordes !
I'm not going out now, it's raining ropes!
Arriving at work completely soaked
Désolé pour le retard, il pleuvait des cordes sur l'autoroute.
Sorry I'm late, it was raining ropes on the highway.
Texting a friend about a cancelled picnic
On annule pour cet après-midi ? Il pleut des cordes ici.
Are we cancelling for this afternoon? It's raining ropes here.
Cultural Background
Used frequently in casual conversation to describe bad weather.
Use it naturally
Don't overthink the grammar; just use 'il pleut des cordes'.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe a very heavy, intense downpour of rain.
- The French equivalent of the English 'raining cats and dogs.'
- Uses the image of thick ropes falling from the sky.
What It Means
Imagine looking out your window and seeing water falling in thick, vertical sheets. In English, you might say it is 'raining cats and dogs.' In French, you say pleuvoir des cordes. It describes a heavy, relentless downpour. The rain is so dense it looks like long, hanging ropes. It is a vivid way to describe a storm.
How To Use It
You use this phrase just like a regular verb. The subject is almost always the impersonal il. You can say il pleut des cordes for the present. Use il pleuvait des cordes to describe yesterday's storm. It is very flexible with different tenses. Just remember that the 'ropes' stay plural.
When To Use It
Use it when you are soaked to the bone. It is perfect for complaining about the weather with friends. Use it when you are canceling plans because of a storm. It works well in casual office chats too. If you see someone walk in with a dripping umbrella, this is your go-to phrase. It adds a bit of flair to a boring weather report.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for a light drizzle. If it is just spotting, il pleut des cordes sounds like an exaggeration. Avoid using it in extremely formal legal or scientific documents. It is a colorful idiom, not a technical term. Also, do not try to change the object. Saying 'it is raining strings' or 'it is raining cables' will just get you confused looks.
Cultural Background
This expression has been around since the 18th century. It likely comes from the visual of water streams looking like hemp ropes. Some say it relates to old nautical terms or weaving. In a country like France with varied climates, weather is a top conversation starter. Complaining about the rain is practically a national hobby. This phrase lets you do it with style.
Common Variations
You might also hear il tombe des cordes which means 'ropes are falling.' If you want to be more vulgar, some say il pleut comme vache qui pisse. That one is much more 'country' and quite salty! Stick to des cordes for general company. Another common one is il pleut à seaux, meaning it is raining buckets. All of these paint a picture of a very wet day.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral to informal idiom. It is safe for almost any conversation except for the most formal speeches or scientific reports. It always uses the impersonal 'il'.
Use it naturally
Don't overthink the grammar; just use 'il pleut des cordes'.
Examples
6Je ne sors pas maintenant, il pleut des cordes !
I'm not going out now, it's raining ropes!
A classic way to justify staying indoors.
Désolé pour le retard, il pleuvait des cordes sur l'autoroute.
Sorry I'm late, it was raining ropes on the highway.
Using the phrase to explain a delay.
On annule pour cet après-midi ? Il pleut des cordes ici.
Are we cancelling for this afternoon? It's raining ropes here.
Commonly used in texts to describe bad luck with weather.
Super, il pleut des cordes et j'ai oublié mon parapluie.
Great, it's raining ropes and I forgot my umbrella.
The French love using this idiom with a touch of irony.
On est restés à l'hôtel tout le séjour car il a plu des cordes.
We stayed at the hotel the whole trip because it rained ropes.
Expressing disappointment about the weather.
Regarde dehors, il commence à pleuvoir des cordes !
Look outside, it's starting to rain ropes!
Used to mark the sudden beginning of a heavy storm.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
Regarde dehors, il __________ des cordes !
The verb 'pleuvoir' is the correct verb for rain.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercisesRegarde dehors, il __________ des cordes !
The verb 'pleuvoir' is the correct verb for rain.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsYes, if it is a casual email to a friend.
Related Phrases
Pleuvoir à verse
synonymTo pour down
