Raining cats and dogs is a phrase used to describe a heavy downpour of rain. In other words, it is an idiom that describes an intense amount of rain. The phrase is believed to have originated in the 17th century and is still used today. But what does it mean and why do we use it?
What Does ‘Raining Cats and Dogs’ Mean?
The phrase ‘raining cats and dogs’ is an idiomatic expression used to describe a heavy downpour of rain. It is believed to have originated in the 17th century and is still used today. It is derived from the idea of animals being thrown from the sky during a storm, hence the phrase ‘raining cats and dogs’. It is often used to emphasize the intensity of the rain.
It is also worth noting that the phrase ‘raining cats and dogs’ is often used in a humorous context as well.
The Origins of ‘Raining Cats and Dogs’
The phrase ‘raining cats and dogs’ is believed to have originated in the 17th century. It is thought to have been derived from the Greek phrase ‘cata doxa’ which means ‘contrary to belief’ or ‘against the gods’. This phrase was used to describe storms that were so intense that it was thought to be the work of the gods.
It is also believed that the phrase was derived from the ancient belief that animals, such as cats and dogs, were thrown from the sky during storms. The phrase ‘raining cats and dogs’ was then used to describe a storm that was intense enough to cause such an event.
Uses of the Phrase ‘Raining Cats and Dogs’
Today, the phrase ‘raining cats and dogs’ is still used to describe a heavy downpour of rain. It is usually used in a humorous context, such as when someone is joking about the intensity of the rain.
The phrase can also be used to describe other intense situations, such as a chaotic workplace or a heated argument. In this context, the phrase implies that the situation is so chaotic and intense that it is akin to a storm with animals raining from the sky.
Personification of Raining Cats and Dogs
The phrase ‘raining cats and dogs’ can also be used to describe personification. Personification is a literary device used to give human characteristics or qualities to non-human objects, animals, or ideas. In the case of ‘raining cats and dogs’, the phrase is used to describe a storm that is so intense that it feels like animals are being thrown from the sky.
The phrase can also be used to describe other intense situations, such as a chaotic workplace or a heated argument. In this context, the phrase implies that the situation is so chaotic and intense that it is akin to a storm with animals raining from the sky.
Conclusion
The phrase ‘raining cats and dogs’ is an idiomatic expression used to describe a heavy downpour of rain. It is believed to have originated in the 17th century and is still used today. The phrase can also be used to describe other intense situations, such as a chaotic workplace or a heated argument. It can also be used to describe personification, which is a literary device used to give human characteristics or qualities to non-human objects, animals, or ideas.