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Be raining cats and dogs

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LampPro Tip 1/3
Extreme WeatherPlay
It's an expression for exceptionally heavy rainfall, not just a regular shower. SlideWe had to cancel the picnic because it was raining cats and dogs.
LampPro Tip 2/3
Use with CautionPlay
It's informal and often used in personal conversations or creative writing. SlideI couldn't walk the dog because it was raining cats and dogs.
LampPro Tip 3/3
Idiomatic ImageryPlay
Imagine animals falling like rain to grasp the intensity; it's not literal. SlideThe sudden storm made it seem like it was raining cats and dogs outside!