It's raining cats and dogs
/ɪts ˈreɪnɪŋ kæts ænd dɒɡz/informal, datedUK · US · AU · CA · IE
What does “It's raining cats and dogs” mean?
It's raining cats and dogs means a very large amount of rain is falling quickly from the sky.
This idiom means that the rain is extremely heavy and noisy. When you look outside and see water pouring down in sheets, this phrase describes that moment.
Native speakers often consider this phrase a bit old-fashioned or playful today. Learners hear it frequently in textbooks, but in modern daily life people often use simpler phrases like 'it is pouring.'
When do people say it?
People say this when an unusually heavy rainstorm begins outside.
“Take your umbrella with you because it's raining cats and dogs out there.”
Is it formal or informal?
Register: informal, dated. It is most at home in everyday conversation rather than formal writing. Most common in UK and US and AU and CA and IE.
Where does it come from?
The exact origin of this phrase is not known for certain. Many popular stories exist about animals on old roofs or flooded streets, but language experts still debate the real source.
Origin confidence: Disputed; treat with caution
How do you say “It's raining cats and dogs” in other languages?
Last reviewed 2026-09-11