In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom or phrase “Raining cats and dogs”.

Introduction / Context:
This question examines your understanding of the well-known English idiom “Raining cats and dogs”. Idioms often have meanings that cannot be guessed from the literal meanings of the words, so you must rely on prior knowledge of common usage. This idiom is frequently used in everyday conversation to describe very heavy rainfall.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The idiom is “Raining cats and dogs”.
• The options include interpretations involving heavy rain and becoming rich or winning money.
• The task is to select the meaning that matches actual usage in English.

Concept / Approach:
“Raining cats and dogs” is an idiomatic way of saying that it is raining very heavily, much more than in ordinary rain. It does not have any connection with money, lottery wins, or wealth. The image of cats and dogs falling from the sky is just a colourful way to emphasise how intense the rainfall is. Therefore, the correct answer must directly refer to heavy rain.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall typical contexts where you might hear “It is raining cats and dogs outside.” Step 2: In those situations, people usually talk about getting wet, carrying umbrellas, or heavy storms, not about earning money. Step 3: Option “It is raining unusually hard” directly describes heavy rainfall and matches common usage. Step 4: Option “To win a big lottery” introduces the idea of sudden money, which is unrelated to the imagery of the idiom. Step 5: Options about getting wealth or becoming rich similarly do not connect with rain. Step 6: Therefore, the meaning of the idiom is best captured by “It is raining unusually hard”.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider an example sentence: “We cannot go out now; it is raining cats and dogs.” If you replace the idiom with “it is raining unusually hard”, the sentence still makes perfect sense. Replacing it with any of the money-related meanings would make the sentence absurd. This comparison confirms the correct interpretation.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• To win a big lottery: There is no traditional or logical link between cats, dogs, and winning lotteries.
• To get wealth beyond what one deserves: Describes an ethical judgment about wealth, unrelated to weather.
• To become filthy rich by honest means: Talks about wealth and honesty, again having nothing to do with rainfall.

Common Pitfalls:
Sometimes exam setters include tempting options related to money or success, because candidates may incorrectly assume that every idiom is about life lessons or moral messages. However, many idioms are straightforward descriptions of everyday situations, such as weather conditions. Always recall typical sentences where the idiom is used to confirm its actual meaning.

Final Answer:
The idiom “Raining cats and dogs” means it is raining unusually hard.