Be raining cats and dogs

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verb phrase

To rain very heavily or intensely.

As soon as we stepped out of the house, it started raining cats and dogs
Visual representation of "be raining cats and dogs" - To rain very heavily or intensely

Often appears as...

  • it's raining cats and dogs
  • start to rain cats and dogs

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "be raining cats and dogs"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Extreme Weather

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

Illustration for Extreme Weather
We had to cancel the picnic because it was raining cats and dogs.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Use with Caution

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

Illustration for Use with Caution
I couldn't walk the dog because it was raining cats and dogs.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Idiomatic Imagery

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

Illustration for Idiomatic Imagery
The sudden storm made it seem like it was raining cats and dogs outside!
Visual representation of the word "Be raining cats and dogs"

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