Weather Expressions
1 / 15Can you decode these weather-related idioms and phrases?
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What does the expression 'it's raining cats and dogs' mean?
About Weather Expressions
Give your memory a workout with Weather Expressions: 15 multiple-choice questions with a mix of 5 easy, 5 medium, 5 hard questions, free to play right in your browser. Can you decode these weather-related idioms and phrases? Expect to spend about 7 minutes; every question comes with an explanation, so you learn something even when you miss.
A few sample questions
1. What does the expression 'it's raining cats and dogs' mean?
Answer: It's raining very heavily
'It's raining cats and dogs' means it is raining extremely heavily. The exact origin is debated, but the phrase has been used in English since at least the 17th century.
2. What does it mean to 'break the ice'?
Answer: To initiate conversation in an awkward situation
'Break the ice' means to do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation started in an uncomfortable social situation. It may originate from icebreaker ships that cleared paths for other vessels.
3. If someone says they are 'under the weather,' what do they mean?
Answer: They are feeling ill
'Under the weather' means feeling ill or unwell. The phrase has nautical origins—sick sailors were sent below deck to be sheltered from the weather.
4. What does 'every cloud has a silver lining' mean?
Answer: Every bad situation has a positive aspect
'Every cloud has a silver lining' means there is something positive in every negative situation. The phrase comes from John Milton's 1634 masque 'Comus,' referring to the silver edge of a dark cloud lit from behind.
5. What does 'a fair-weather friend' mean?
Answer: A friend who is only there during good times
A 'fair-weather friend' is someone who is only a friend when times are good and disappears during difficult or challenging periods. Fair weather symbolizes easy, pleasant times.
Things you'll learn along the way
- 'To weather the storm' means to endure and survive a difficult or dangerous situation. It comes from sailing, where ships had to withstand storms at sea to reach safety.
- 'Steal someone's thunder' means to take credit for someone else's achievement or to lessen the impact of their announcement. It originated with playwright John Dennis, who invented a thunder sound effect that was later used by a rival theater without permission.
- 'A snowball's chance in hell' means little or no chance of success. Since hell is traditionally depicted as a fiery hot place, a snowball would melt instantly there—making survival impossible.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Weather Expressions take?
Most players finish Weather Expressions in about 7 minutes. You can pause between questions, replay it as often as you like, and there is no penalty for taking your time — answers are explained after you submit them.
What's a good follow-up after Weather Expressions?
If you enjoyed this word games quiz, try the Daily Challenge — five rotating questions, refreshed every 24 hours, that count toward your streak. You can also use the Surprise Me button on the homepage to land on a different game type for variety.
Can I print Weather Expressions?
Yes — use the Print button at the top of the page for a clean question sheet, or "Print with Answers" to make an answer key. Printed sheets work well for group play at home, in a classroom, or at a senior center.
Will I lose my progress if I close the page?
Your overall progress — XP, streaks, and badges — is saved in your browser automatically. A quiz that's underway restarts if you leave mid-game, but at about 7 minutes, Weather Expressions fits comfortably in one sitting.
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