Why Do We Say 'Raining Cats and Dogs'?
Where Did the Phrase 'Raining Cats and Dogs' Come From?
Have you ever heard someone say, "It's raining cats and dogs!" during a heavy downpour? It's a funny saying, but where does it come from? This idiom, which means it's raining very hard, has a history that's a bit of a mystery. Let's explore some of the possible origins.
Theories About the Saying
No one knows for sure where the phrase "raining cats and dogs" began, but there are a few interesting ideas:
- Idiom:
- A phrase whose meaning is different from the ordinary meaning of the words.
- Drainage:
- A system of carrying away excess water.
- Mythology:
- A collection of myths or stories about gods and heroes.
- downpour:
- A heavy and sudden fall of rain.
- thatched:
- Covered with thick layers of dried straw, reeds, or leaves to form a roof.
- playwright:
- A person who writes plays to be performed on a stage.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What does the idiom "raining cats and dogs" mean?
- 2According to one theory, why might animals have fallen from roofs during heavy rains in the past?
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About this explanatory article passage for Upper Elementary
“Why Do We Say 'Raining Cats and Dogs'?” is a explanatory article reading passage about Idioms, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 2 minutes to read (374 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.