Where does the phrase raining like cats and dogs come from?

Answer 1

The etymology of the phrase isn't known. From wikipedia, there are four theories:

* An email commonly circulated claimed that in 16th century Europe when peasant homes were commonly thatched, the home was constructed in such a manner that animals could crawl into the thatch and find shelter from the elements, and would fall out during heavy rain. Cats and dogs do not generally get into thatch. * Drainage systems on buildings in 17th century Europe were poor, and may have disgorged their contents during heavy showers, including the corpses of any animals that had accumulated in them. This occurrence is documented in Johnathan Swift's 1710 poem 'Description of a City Shower', in which he describes "Drowned puppies, stinking sprats, all drenched in mud,/Dead cats and turnip-tops come tumbling down the flood." * The Greek word Katadoupoi, referring to the waterfalls on the Nile, sounds similar to "cats and dogs" * The Greek phrase "kata doksa", which means "contrary to expectation" is often applied to heavy rain, but there is no evidence to support the theory that it was borrowed by English speakers.

Answer 2

The phrase "raining cats and dogs" dates back to the 17th century in England. It is believed to have originated from a time when heavy rain would lead to flooding, and the sight of dead animals in the streets would give the impression that they had fallen from the sky due to the intensity of the storm.