Why raining hard is idiomatically expressed raining cats and dogs?

Answer 1

If you want a clever answer, I'm not going to get the 10 points. But if you want the right answer, it is, "No one knows. There are plenty of guesses, but they're just guesses."

One well-respected author says, "How many explanations would you like? I have found at least five." Another, slightly longer, comments, "there's no definitive origin, there are several speculative derivations." You'll find them at the links below, listing the various explanations; no need to repeat them here.

To make it even more complicated: There was an earlier version of the saying, "rain dogs and polecats", found all the way back in 1653.

Answer 2

because in England long tim eback the houses would have roof made of Grass and the domestic animals like CAt & dogs used to Sleep on the roff. One rainy season it rained heavily and the roof gave away and the animals fell down from there the saying comes its Raining Cats & dogs.

Answer 3

There is probably no explanation for that because this expression changes from a language to another. In French, for example, we say it' raining ropes.
And in some other languages, they say, it's raining men, Halleluyah!
No, seriously, there is a cultural thing behind that mystery...

Answer 4

I always thought it meant that the raindrops were so heavy, they felt like cats and dogs (or ropes, and the case may be).

Sam P, I don't know if your story is true (sounds as if it could be), but I gave you a thumbs up because I like it; it's an interesting story.



.

Answer 5

Nobody knows for sure, but one theory is that it originated in England in the 17th century when city streets were filthy and heavy rain would occasionally carry along dead animals.

Answer 6

Because Llamas and Rhinos are less popular

Answer 7

because when we look a fight which happen between cat and dog,both of the animal make their own sound..and it will turn worse..

Answer 8

It's old Cockney slang.
I know. English people are so wierd.