Cat Idioms: Are you perplexed by some of the cat-related expressions you’ve seen in English? You are not alone. Our feline companions are a genuinely global phenomenon, not just inhabiting our homes but also being heavily depicted in art and literature throughout history. The Ancient Egyptians worshipped cats, and judging by the number of cats that populate our social media news feeds; we may share this trait. So it’s really important to understand the meaning related to idioms and phrases for cat.
As, you may come across certain cat-related phrases and idioms like cat on the wall, bell the cat meaning and sentences, etc., along the way in your English learning journey that, naturally, generate confusion. It is not unusual to hear that it is ‘raining cats and dogs’ (heavily raining) or that there is ‘no room to swing a cat (there is little space). We’ve prepared a list of more than 10 idioms on cat and cat-related terms you’ll ever need with the aid of the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary. Make an attempt to include some of these in your next English discussion!
Enrich your Vocabulary by practicing the English Idioms that are commonly used in everyday conversations and understand their actual meaning.
Names of Cat Idioms
List of Cat Idioms
- (Like) Herding Cats
- (To Put the) Cat Among(st) the Pigeons
- A Cat Has Nine Lives
- A Cat in Gloves Catches No Mice
- A Cat Nap
- A Scaredy-Cat
- Bell the Cat
- Cat Fight
- Fight Like Cat and Dog
- Rain Cats and Dogs
- Cat Got Your Tongue?
- Cat On A Hot Tin Roof
- Cat-and-Mouse (adj.)
- Cat’s Paw
- Can’t Swing a Dead Cat In (location) Without Hitting A (Thing)
- Cool Cat
- Curiosity Killed The Cat
- Fat Cat
- Let the Cat Out of the Bag
- Like The Cat That Got The Cream
- The Cat Is Out of the Bag
- Look What the Cat Dragged In
- No Room To Swing A Cat
- Not Enough Room to Swing a Cat
- Play Cat And Mouse
- Put The Cat Among The Pigeons
- Not Have a Cat In Hell’s Chance
- Who’s She, the Cat’s Mother?
- There’s More Than One Way To Skin A Cat
Meaning And Examples Of Some Commonly Used Cat Idioms
(Like) Herding Cats
Meaning: For whom coordination is a challenge (said of members of a group)
Example: There are few brilliant workers at our cafe, but getting them to work unitedly is like herding cats.
(To Put the) Cat Among(st) the Pigeons
Meaning: Create a commotion or disruption, generally with the purpose of causing harm.
Example: If we commence questioning the suspect now, it will put the cat among the pigeons, and her associates will scatter. Let’s hold off for momentarily.
A Cat Has Nine Lives
Meaning: Cats seem to be able to get away with dangerous situations.
Example: Mrs Paul has been missing for several days, but I wouldn’t worry about her. Everybody knows a cat has nine lives.
A Cat in Gloves Catches No Mice
Meaning: If one is overly cautious, they will not be able to obtain what they require.
Example: I think Runa may get that promotion if she pursues it more assertively from the beginning. After all, a cat in gloves catches no mice.
A Cat Nap
Meaning: During the day, when you only get a short nap.
Example: Before my next shift begins, I’m going to try to squeeze in a cat nap or else I’ll be feeling inactive for the entire morning.
A Scaredy-Cat
Meaning: An individual who is overly terrified or afraid.
Example: Jennifer called Lisa a scaredy-cat because she didn’t want to go exploring in the forests in the nighttime.
Bell the Cat
Meaning: Take on a task that seems impossible or tough.
Example: We need a person to bell the cat and take on the responsibility of eradicating corruption in our country.
Cat Fight
Meaning: A brawl between two female
Example: In the pub last night, things got a little out of hand. A large number of people became drunk, and when they began arguing, they were banned, and a catfight broke out.
Fight Like Cat and Dog
Meaning: People who are always arguing with one another.
Example: Those two siblings fight like cat and dog, so please don’t put them together in a room.
Rain Cats and Dogs
Meaning: When it’s pouring gallons outside.
Example: It’s raining cats and dogs. Look at it, pour!
Cat Got Your Tongue?
Meaning: You don’t have anything to say, do you?
Example: I saw you at the pub with another woman last night and thought you were cute. What exactly is the problem? Cat got your tongue?
Note: This is frequently used in conjunction with the inquiry, What’s the matter? as in the preceding illustration.
Cat On A Hot Tin Roof
Meaning: To be really nervous.
Example: As she waits for the doctor to call with the results of her tests. She’s been acting like a cat on a hot tin roof all day.
Cat-and-Mouse (adj.)
Meaning: In a joking manner; in a joking manner that is unpleasant
Example: Roma is giving Chandler the treatment of cat-and-mouse-as she keeps leading him on, but she won’t give up on him.
Note: One can also answer to play cat and mouse.
Cat’s Paw
Meaning: A person who is being utilised as a tool by someone else
Example: The prime minister has little actual power. She is really just a cat’s paw of company interests.
Can’t Swing a Dead Cat In (location) Without Hitting A (Thing)
Meaning: There are several instances of [thing] in this [location].
Example: One can’t swing a dead cat in Italy without hitting a good pasta.
Note: Fling, a dead cat, can also be used.
Cool Cat
Meaning: Someone who has earned the esteem of their peers in a youthful and informal manner
Example: Shonty is a cool cat. Racheal really likes him.
Curiosity Killed The Cat
Meaning: Don’t ask too many questions, and don’t be too curious.
Example: Why do you wish to travel to the city the next day?’ -‘Curiosity killed the cat.
Fat Cat
Meaning: An executive with a high level of responsibility and a high salary
Example: These days, it appears that the fat cats continue to prosper while the working class continues to suffer.
Let the Cat Out of the Bag
Meaning: Make a secret public, generally a secret that you or others are attempting to keep hidden.
Example: We had prepared a surprise party for you, and we wanted to make sure you were surprised, but Britney let the cat out of the bag.
Note: The cat is out of the bag- it is also practised.
Like The Cat That Got The Cream
Meaning: When you’re feeling very good about yourself, it’s easy to get annoyed by others.
Example: Janice spent the rest of the day staring like the cat that got the cream after her promotion.
The Cat Is Out of the Bag
Meaning: The truth has now been exposed.
Example: Maria informed her pals about our attendance at the movie and how much fun we were having. For now, the cat is out of the bag.
Look What the Cat Dragged In
Meaning: Someone unwanted has made their way inside.
Example: Well, look what the cat dragged in. I guess you want to borrow more money again.
No Room To Swing A Cat
Meaning: Very tiny and insufficiently spacious
Example: Inside, everything you see is the most basic junk; basically, there is no room to swing a cat.
Not Enough Room to Swing a Cat
Meaning: A extremely little amount of space.
Example: My new motorcycle is economical, but currently, there’s not enough room to swing a cat in there.
(There’s) More Than One Way to Skin A Cat
Meaning: Irrespective of the current circumstances, there are a variety of approaches that may be used to complete this goal.
Example: Pheobe’s user interface didn’t actually operate well, but there’s more than one way to skin a cat.
Play Cat And Mouse
Meaning: It is an attempt to deceive someone into making a mistake so that you may then beat them.
Example: The 42-year-old actor spent a large proportion of the week playing cat and mouse with the press promoting his movie.
Put The Cat Among The Pigeons
Meaning: Saying or doing something that causes problems or debate is considered impolite.
Example: The Intercom didn’t want to put the cat among the pigeons, so they made the decision not to mention about the bomb threat until we were certain that it was legitimate, which took some time.
Not Have a Cat In Hell’s Chance
Meaning: Have no chance of succeeding, having anything come to pass, or attaining something.
Example: The football team don’t have a cat’s chance in hell of getting into the finals this year.
Note: Primarily heard in the UK.
Who’s She, the Cat’s Mother?
Meaning: When the reason for a woman strong self-esteem is not entirely clear.
Example: Borda has been directing the activities of everyone recently. Who’s she, the cat’s mother?
There’s More Than One Way To Skin A Cat
Meaning: In the current scenario, there are many different approaches to attaining a specific objective.
Example: It’s possible that our discussions with the investment group have come to a halt, but definitely, there’s more than one way to skin a cat!
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