Ever been on cloud nine?

Have you ever seen a storm in a teacup? Learn 12 weather-related phrases

Image: NOAA

We always talk about the weather, but, as it happens, we also use weather-related terms to talk about other things as well. From "under the weather" to "snowed under," many common phrases have surprisingly stormy origins. These sayings are part of our everyday lexicon, often without us even realizing their connection to sun, rain, wind, or snow. Which of these 12 do you use the most?

Image: Ravi Sharma

The familiar phrase "under the weather" means feeling a bit sick or unwell. It likely comes from sailors who went below deck during storms when they were seasick.

Being sheltered from harsh weather became linked to feeling ill, and over time, the phrase took on its current meaning in everyday language.

Image: Tofazzal Hossain

You have probably heard this one. "Come rain or shine" means something will happen no matter the weather or situation. It shows strong commitment and determination to follow through, despite obstacles.

The phrase began with its literal meaning (events happening in any weather) but grew to express persistence in all circumstances. It’s often used to promise support or dedication, like, "I’ll be there, come rain or shine."

Image: David Ballew

"Every cloud has a silver lining" means there’s always something good, even in tough times. It’s a reminder to stay hopeful and look for the positive in bad situations.

It is said that the phrase likely comes from John Milton’s 1634 poem Comus, where he described a dark cloud revealing a silver edge. This image became a lasting symbol of optimism during hardship.

Image: Johannes Plenio

Have you ever heard of "a storm in a teacup"? It means making a big deal out of something minor. It describes situations where small problems are blown out of proportion, causing needless drama.

The idea goes back to ancient times: Cicero used a similar phrase about stirring up waves in a ladle. The message is the same: don’t let little things cause major stress.

Image: Noah Silliman

Another classic, to "take a rain check" means turning down an offer for now but showing interest in doing it later. It’s a polite way to postpone plans without saying no entirely.

The phrase comes from 19th-century baseball, where fans got "rain checks" if games were rained out, letting them return later without extra cost.

Image: Joshua Fuller

To "get wind of something" means to hear about something, usually a secret or hidden detail, often through rumors or indirect sources. It suggests finding out information unintentionally.

The phrase comes from the idea of animals catching a scent on the wind, picking up on something not meant to be noticed.

Image: Adam Chang

When someone is "snowed under," it means that he or she is feeling overwhelmed, usually by work or responsibilities. It describes being buried by tasks to the point where it’s hard to keep up.

The phrase dates back to the late 1800s and comes from the image of being covered in heavy snow, stuck, weighed down, and unable to move freely.

Image: Max

"As right as rain" means feeling well or that something is in perfect order. It’s used to say everything is fine or back to normal.

The phrase likely began in 19th-century Britain, with rain seen as natural and refreshing. Though the exact origin is unclear, it suggests comfort and things being just as they should be.

Image: mosi knife

Everybody can recognize one: a "fair-weather friend" is someone who sticks around only when things are going well but disappears during tough times. They enjoy the good moments but aren’t there when support is needed.

The phrase dates back to the early 18th century and compares such people to those who flee when the weather, or life, gets stormy. It highlights the difference between true friends and those who vanish when challenges arise.

Image: Emmanuel Appiah

"Head in the clouds" describes someone who’s daydreaming or not paying attention to reality. It can suggest being unrealistic, distracted, or lost in thought.

The phrase comes from the image of clouds high in the sky, far from the ground, just like someone not grounded in the present. It’s a way to describe being mentally elsewhere or out of touch.

Image: Michał Mancewicz

A phrase usually employed in competitive environments or situations, to "steal someone’s thunder" means to take credit for their idea or divert attention from their achievement, often for personal gain. It’s about overshadowing someone unfairly.

Image: Raychel Sanner

To "weather the storm" means to get through a tough situation with strength and resilience. It suggests enduring hardship without serious harm.

The phrase comes from sailing, where ships had to survive harsh storms at sea. Just like sailors battling wind and waves, it reflects the ability to stay steady through life’s challenges.

Furry secrets revealed

Why won’t your cat come when called? 10 pet behaviors explained

Image: Victor G

How well do you know your pet? Cats and dogs are undoubtedly the most popular furry companions, and while we might think we know everything about them, there are some secrets that we miss. Do you know what their tail movements actually mean? Are you aware of cats' incredible ability in the dark? If you want to discover this and more, keep reading: Today, we’re revealing 10 surprising facts about your pet’s secret life.

Image: Humberto Arellano

Just as humans write, eat, kick, and do most tasks with either their right or left hand, cats also have a dominant paw. Surprising, right? But it’s true: Cats often prefer one paw over the other when playing, going down stairs, or reaching for objects and food. Studies even show that male cats tend to favor their left paw, while female cats are more likely to use their right.

Image: Oria Helion

It’s no secret that dogs have an incredible sense of smell. In fact, it’s their strongest sense, estimated to be 10,000 times more powerful than ours. But here’s the surprise: their smell is so sharp that they can even detect diseases. Trained dogs can identify subtle changes in a person’s body odor, which allows them to detect conditions like skin, breast, bladder, and lung cancer. They’ve also been reported to sense malaria, diabetes, epilepsy, and even some viral infections.

Image: Kristina Yadykina

Dogs almost always come when we call them, but cats are different. If you think your cat doesn’t respond because it can’t, we have to say that’s not the case. Cats can clearly recognize their own names, and studies show they react with subtle signals like moving their ears or flicking their tails. They know when you’re calling them; they just choose not to come, which only increases their reputation as highly independent creatures.

Image: Alvan Nee

Your dog communicates with you through its body. For example, if it rolls over easily, it means it completely trusts you, since it’s exposing its most vulnerable areas (yes, that adorable belly). On the contrary, when a dog feels threatened, it may stand tall, perk up its ears, and fix its eyes on the person or object it sees as a threat. If a dog avoids eye contact, it isn’t always a bad thing; it can actually be a sign of respect! As for the tail, a dog uses it to communicate emotions and arousal, not just happiness; the speed, height, and direction reveal meaning, from excitement (fast, high) to fear (low, tucked) or caution (slow).

Image: Jack1007

If cats and dogs had IDs, they could sign them with their little noses. Why? Well, just as each of us has a unique set of fingerprints, every dog and cat has a one-of-a-kind nose. The patterns of wrinkles and lines on your pet’s nose pad are unlike any other in the world, making it a perfect natural identifier.

Image: Silvana Carlos

Did you know your cat only meows at you? That’s right! Cats don’t use meowing to communicate with each other, only with humans. While kittens do meow at their moms, once they grow up, they rely on body language, scents, and other sounds like hisses and chirps.

Image: Akshat Jhingran

What accent does your dog have? It may sound like a silly question, but it’s actually quite relevant. Studies show that dogs, even those of the same breed, bark differently depending on where they were raised. In other words, there are regional variations in their vocalizations. Some dogs copy their mother’s "accent," and it’s also been shown that some change the way they bark after moving to a new area.

Image: Akin Cakiner

Cats aren’t afraid of the dark, and not just because they’re intrepid, but because their bodies are built to navigate the darkest spaces. First of all: their eyes. Cats’ vision is designed for low-light hunting, and they can see clearly at light levels six times lower than what we humans need. In addition, their whiskers play a crucial role. They aren’t just cute; they act as guides, detecting changes in air currents and sensing nearby objects.

Image: Leo_Visions

Would you like to know how your dog sees the world? The old myth that dogs see only in black and white has been debunked. But they don’t see the way we do. Dogs have what’s called dichromatic vision, which means they can see color, but within a limited range. They mainly see shades of blue and yellow, and –similar to color-blind humans– they have trouble distinguishing between reds and greens.

Image: Piotr Musioł

While they may be very sweet animals, cats can’t taste sweet treats as we do. They simply don’t have the receptors needed to sense sweetness, and as carnivores, they didn’t need them in their evolution. So while we enjoy a movie with candy or popcorn, they prefer the savory flavor of meat.