Ever heard someone say it's "raining cats and dogs" and wondered if they've lost their marbles? Relax, the skies aren't *actually* showering us with furry friends! This colorful idiom simply means it's raining very, very heavily.
But where did this bizarre expression come from? The origin is murky, shrouded in folklore and speculation. Some theories suggest poorly built roofs in medieval times led to animals seeking shelter, only to be washed away during downpours. Others connect it to Norse mythology, associating cats with storms and dogs with wind.
Regardless of its true origin, "raining cats and dogs" is a vivid and memorable way to describe torrential rain. So next time you see the heavens open and the water pouring down, you'll know exactly what's going on – and maybe even impress your friends with a bit of etymological trivia!