‘Raining Cats And Dogs’ Saying Origin & Meaning

The idiom “raining cats and dogs” is used to describe a heavy downpour of rain. It seems to be nonsense and, on the surface, is quite an amusing term, but it is very commonly used to describe a heavy downpour.  It is a hyperbolic way of describing a heavy downpour of rain. It is often used to express surprise or excitement, as in “It’s raining cats and dogs! We’re going to have a flood!” The idiom is also sometimes used to express frustration or annoyance, as in “I can’t believe it’s raining cats and dogs again! I’m going to be late for work!”

Origin of “it’s raining cats and dogs”

The origin of the phrase is unknown, but there are a number of theories.

One theory is that it originated in the 17th century, when people believed that cats and dogs were swept away by strong winds during storms. This theory is supported by the fact that there are a number of historical records that mention cats and dogs being killed by storms. For example, in 1666, a storm in London killed over 10,000 cats and dogs.

Another theory is that the phrase comes from the Greek expression “kata doxa,” which means “contrary to experience or belief.” In this case, the phrase would mean that it is raining so hard that it is unbelievable. This theory is supported by the fact that the phrase “raining cats and dogs” is often used to express surprise or disbelief.

In addition to those theories, there are a number of other possible origins for the idiom “raining cats and dogs.” For example, some people believe that the phrase comes from the Norse myth of Odin, the god of thunder and lightning. In this myth, Odin is said to have two ravens, Huginn and Muninn, who fly around the world gathering information for him. These ravens are often depicted as being soaked to the bone, which may have led to the belief that cats and dogs could also be swept away by storms.

Another possible origin for the idiom is the old English word “catadupe,” which means “waterfall.” This word may have been mispronounced as “cat-a-dog,” and eventually evolved into the modern phrase “raining cats and dogs.”

Whatever its origin, the idiom “raining cats and dogs” is a popular and well-known way to describe a heavy downpour of rain. It is a fun and colourful phrase that has been used for centuries, and it is likely to continue to be used for many years to come.

The Shakespeare connection

In  Act 2 scene 1 of The Taming of the Shrew Petruchio says that he would rather be drowned in a shower of cats and dogs than marry the character Katherina.

Petruchio: Now, by my hood, a madcap! Sweet Kate,

To what end are all these tears? Why weepest thou?

Katherina: If thou wilt marry me, wilt thou be married

In sad habiliments, black robes and hat?

Petruchio: No, faith, in scarlet; let me see thee clad

All in red roses, that shall be thy bridal

Garments, and I will be thy bridegroom.

Katherina: That’s jesting; come, I will ha’ thee in honest

Black; and I will have no other hussband.

Petruchio: Hark, how she storms! She is like to drown

Me in a shower of cats and dogs.

The phrase “drowned in a shower of cats and dogs” is a pun here. In Shakespeare’s time, it was common to use the word “cat” to refer to a scolding woman, and the word “dog” to refer to a noisy or quarrelsome person. So, the phrase “drowned in a shower of cats and dogs” can also be interpreted as a reference to the chaos and conflict and the emotional storm that is created when two strong-willed people are brought together. In this scene, Petruchio and Katherina are arguing about what Katherina will wear to their wedding. Katherina wants to wear black, while Petruchio wants her to wear red. Katherina is angry and upset, and she threatens to drown Petruchio in a shower of cats and dogs. This is a metaphor for the chaos and conflict that is created when two strong-willed people are brought together.

“Raining cats and dogs” in culture

The idiom “raining cats and dogs” has been used in literature and popular culture for centuries. One of the earliest known uses of the phrase is in the 1651 poem “Olor Iscanus” by Henry Vaughan. In the poem, Vaughan describes a storm so heavy that it seems to be raining cats and dogs:

“And now the shower comes down with ropes of rain, And now the wind doth whistle in the trees; The dogs and cats are drown’d, and all the train/ Of household gods are fled for fear.”

The phrase “raining cats and dogs” has also been used in a number of other famous works of literature, including:

• “Moby-Dick” by Herman Melville: In the novel, the crew of the Pequod are caught in a storm so severe that it seems to be raining cats and dogs.
• “Singin’ in the Rain” by Gene Kelly: In the song, the character Gene Kelly sings about how he loves to sing in the rain, even when it’s “raining cats and dogs.”

The idiom “raining cats and dogs” has also been used in a number of popular culture instances, including:

• The title of the children’s book “It’s Raining Cats and Dogs” by Ezra Jack Keats.
• The title of the song “Raining Cats and Dogs” by the band The Cure.
• The title of the episode “Raining Cats and Dogs” of the television show “The Simpsons.”

Raining cats and dogs

Using “raining cats and dogs”

The phrase “raining cats and dogs” is still used in everyday discourse today. It is often used to describe a heavy downpour of rain, but it can also be used to express surprise, excitement, or disbelief.

Here are some examples of how the idiom “raining cats and dogs” can be used in everyday discourse:

• “It’s raining cats and dogs out there! I can’t believe how hard it’s coming down.”
• “I’m so excited for the party tonight but I’m a bit concerned –  it’s going to be raining cats and dogs.”
• “I can’t believe all those things happened at the same time! It’s like it’s raining cats and dogs.”