Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) Practice Test

Which of the following is an example of an idiom?

1. It's raining cats and dogs

2. The cat sat on the mat

3. The dog barked loudly

4. The wind was calm

The correct answer is: It's raining cats and dogs

An idiom is a phrase where the meaning is not derived from the literal interpretation of the words. "It's raining cats and dogs" exemplifies this, as it conveys the idea of heavy rain, despite the absence of actual cats and dogs falling from the sky. The expression encapsulates a colorful way of describing weather, and its meaning is understood culturally rather than literally. In contrast, the other choices consist of straightforward statements that do not carry any figurative meaning. "The cat sat on the mat" and "The dog barked loudly" simply describe actions or scenarios literally. Similarly, "The wind was calm" is a direct observation about the state of the wind with no hidden or idiomatic significance. Thus, "It's raining cats and dogs" stands out as a true idiom.