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Raining cats and dogs...
2011.08.02
"Raining cats and dogs"
Meaning: Raining very heavily.
Origin:
This is an interesting phrase in that, although there's no definitive origin, there is a likely derivation.
One supposed origin is that the phrase derives from mythology. Dogs and wolves were attendants to Odin, the god of storms, and sailors associated them with rain. Witches, who often took the form of their familiars - cats, are supposed to have ridden the wind. Well, some evidence would be nice. There doesn't appear to be any to support this notion.
The first appearance of the currently used version is in Jonathan Swift’s A Complete Collection of Polite and Ingenious Conversation in 1738:
"I know Sir John will go, though he was sure it would rain cats and dogs".
The fact that Swift had alluded to the streets flowing with dead cats and dogs some years earlier and now used 'rain cats and dogs' explicitly is good evidence that poor sanitation was the source of the phrase as we now use it.
Meaning: Raining very heavily.
Origin:
This is an interesting phrase in that, although there's no definitive origin, there is a likely derivation.
One supposed origin is that the phrase derives from mythology. Dogs and wolves were attendants to Odin, the god of storms, and sailors associated them with rain. Witches, who often took the form of their familiars - cats, are supposed to have ridden the wind. Well, some evidence would be nice. There doesn't appear to be any to support this notion.
The first appearance of the currently used version is in Jonathan Swift’s A Complete Collection of Polite and Ingenious Conversation in 1738:
"I know Sir John will go, though he was sure it would rain cats and dogs".
The fact that Swift had alluded to the streets flowing with dead cats and dogs some years earlier and now used 'rain cats and dogs' explicitly is good evidence that poor sanitation was the source of the phrase as we now use it.
16
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Jan, there are so many great shots in this set that I can barely contain myself!!! Wow! #26 is worthy of a car advertisement!
danrav · 2011-08-02: 21:01
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very nice set specially the cats they look familiar haha.........
Yves51 · 2011-08-02: 21:11
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Nice set!! So many excellent pictures. And thanks for the information about the phrase--interesting stuff!
saramerry99 · 2011-08-02: 21:37
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This is a fantastic and an amazing set! I love, love the cat sghots, the close-ups are phenomenal~
Patricia132 · 2011-08-02: 21:37
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Wonderful pictures,very nice~!~
mallusatish · 2011-08-02: 21:49
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nice set
lmxg2011 · 2011-08-02: 22:05
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WOw those are fantastic kitty captures well done loved the whole set well done
mystic1 · 2011-08-02: 22:20
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These are just Amazing!
liveandletlive · 2011-08-02: 23:00
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I love the way you have turned a yawn into an action shot in No 21, that is a pretty fearsome looking set of teeth...
Annbramwell · 2011-08-03: 03:33
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Great wonderful post
noptek · 2011-08-03: 03:33
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great set
Lynda · 2011-08-03: 07:26
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great info!!!! love the kitty yawning shots, great expressions
urmysunshine · 2011-08-03: 17:08
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excellent collection - I LOVE #21 :)
McMommy · 2011-08-03: 17:51
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Nice set!
LisaMarieGeorge · 2011-08-03: 20:17
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fantastic set and title, love the close up of the cat yawn ..... pretty scary though
Marzijapan · 2011-08-03: 20:51
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excellent collection , like the close up of the cat!(now and I yawn) :)
Davorka · 2011-08-04: 01:12
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