Cats Idioms: Common English Idioms about Cats
Learn important idioms about cats in English with meaning and examples.
Cat Got Your Tongue?
Definition:
What’s the matter? Don’t you have anything to say?
For example:
I asked you why you copied answers from my test paper. What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue?
Who’s She, the Cat’s Mother?
Definition:
Why does she have such a high opinion of herself?
For example:
Samantha has been ordering everyone around lately. Who’s she, the cat’s mother?
Curiosity Killed The Cat
Definition:
Stop asking questions, don’t be too curious
For example:
Why do you want to go to the city tomorrow?’ —’Curiosity killed the cat.’
(Like) Herding Cats
Definition:
Difficult to coordinate (said of members of a group)
For example:
There are some brilliant thinkers at our office, but getting them to work together is like herding cats.
Let the Cat Out of the Bag
Definition:
Reveal a secret, usually a secret you or others are trying to keep
For example:
We had planned a surprise party for you, but Courtney let the cat out of the bag and told you about it.
Look What the Cat Dragged In
Definition:
Someone unwelcome has arrived.
For example:
Well, look what the cat dragged in. I suppose you want to borrow money again.
(There’s) More Than One Way to Skin A Cat
Definition:
There are multiple ways to accomplish this task.
For example:
Joe’s user interface didn’t work well, but there’s more than one way to skin a cat.
Not Enough Room to Swing a Cat
Definition:
A very small space
For example:
My new car is economical, but there’s not enough room to swing a cat in there.
Cat-and-Mouse (adj.)
Definition:
In a toying way; playful in an unpleasant way
For example:
Caroline is giving Joe the cat-and-mouse treatment—she keeps leading him on, but she won’t commit to him.
Rain Cats And Dogs
Definition:
Rain heavily
For example:
It’s been raining cats and dogs all day. I’m afraid the roof is going to leak.
