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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Distinguish phrases for heavy rain, a run of problems, suspicion, and feeling persistently low.
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Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThis episode groups weather expressions with different meanings. “Raining cats and dogs” means raining very heavily; “when it rains, it pours” describes several problems arriving close together. To be “under a cloud” can mean being viewed with suspicion, while “under a dark cloud” can describe a long period of sadness or hardship. A related hope proverb, “every cloud has a silver lining,” already has a separate lesson, so this page focuses on the other expressions.
Cultural note: “Under a cloud of suspicion” describes what others believe, not proof of wrongdoing. “Under a dark cloud of depression” should not be used as a casual diagnosis; when discussing mental health, use a person’s own words or precise, respectful language. “When it rains, it pours” may feel unsympathetic if someone is facing serious problems.
Keep exploringRain and cloud idioms can describe weather, a sequence of setbacks, or suspicion—but the phrases are not evidence or diagnoses.
Phrase guide · 4 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Recognize a vivid phrase for a strong downpour.
Meaning
Raining very heavily.
Tone & use
Informal and often playful; it describes the weather, not actual animals.
Example
“It was raining cats and dogs, so the outdoor book fair moved into the library.”
Describe a cluster of difficulties without making light of them.
Meaning
Several difficult things often happen at the same time.
Tone & use
Usually said about a run of bad events. It may sound dismissive if a listener needs empathy rather than a proverb.
Example
“The bus was late, my phone battery died, and I missed the appointment—when it rains, it pours.”
Separate public suspicion from a person’s experience of hardship.
Meaning
Believed by others to have done something wrong, though that belief is not proof.
Tone & use
Use carefully and identify whose suspicion it is; do not present an allegation as a fact.
Example
“The contractor was under a cloud of suspicion after the missing equipment was reported, but the review had not reached a conclusion.”
Meaning
Experiencing a prolonged period of sadness, hardship, or difficulty.
Tone & use
Metaphorical and broad. Avoid using it to diagnose another person’s mental health.
Example
“After the shop closed, the neighborhood felt under a dark cloud for months.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
Try it · Choose the best expression
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