Be raining cats and dogs

Pro Tip 1/3

Extreme Weather

It's an expression for exceptionally heavy rainfall, not just a regular shower.

We had to cancel the picnic because it was raining cats and dogs.

Pro Tip 2/3

Use with Caution

It's informal and often used in personal conversations or creative writing.

I couldn't walk the dog because it was raining cats and dogs.

Pro Tip 3/3

Idiomatic Imagery

Imagine animals falling like rain to grasp the intensity; it's not literal.

The sudden storm made it seem like it was raining cats and dogs outside!