FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

In learning about figurative language, what does the phrase "It's raining cats and dogs" represent?

1. Metaphor

2. Simile

3. Idiom

4. Hyperbole

The correct answer is: Idiom

The phrase "It's raining cats and dogs" represents an idiom, which is a common expression whose meaning cannot be derived from the literal meanings of the individual words. In this case, the phrase is used to convey that it is raining very heavily, rather than suggesting that actual cats and dogs are falling from the sky. Idioms often reflect cultural nuances and meanings understood by native speakers rather than direct statements, making them an interesting aspect of language learning. Understanding idioms is crucial for grasping the nuances of a language, as they are frequently used in both spoken and written communication to convey ideas in a more colorful or exaggerated manner than literal phrases would allow.