A Cat Has Nine Lives: Learn what the means through example!

What does “A Cat Has Nine Lives” mean?

"A Cat Has Nine Lives" means that cats are believed to be very lucky and capable of escaping dangerous situations.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I can't believe my cat survived that fall, it's true what they say, a cat has nine lives!

Example

Even after being hit by a car, my cat miraculously survived. It's like a cat has nine lives.

Example

No matter how many times my cat gets into trouble, it always manages to come out unscathed. Truly, a cat has nine lives

Is “A Cat Has Nine Lives” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“A Cat Has Nine Lives” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “A Cat Has Nine Lives” effectively in context?

You can use "A Cat Has Nine Lives" to describe someone or something that seems to have a lot of luck or escapes dangerous situations. For example, if a friend narrowly avoids a car accident, you might say, 'Wow, you're like a cat with nine lives!'

• 1. Survival

  After surviving a serious illness, she's starting to believe that a cat has nine lives.

• 2. Luck

  He won the lottery twice in a row! It's like a cat has nine lives when it comes to his luck.

• 3. Escape

  Despite being in several dangerous situations, he always manages to come out unharmed. Truly, a cat has nine lives.

Similar phrases to “A Cat Has Nine Lives”:

Born under a lucky star

To be naturally lucky or fortunate

Example

He always seems to win at everything. He must have been born under a lucky star.

Luck of the Irish

To have exceptionally good luck

Example

She found a four-leaf clover and won the lottery. She definitely has the luck of the Irish.

Escape by the skin of one's teeth

To narrowly escape a dangerous situation

Example

He managed to avoid the car crash by the skin of his teeth.

Dodge a bullet

To narrowly avoid a dangerous or harmful situation

Example

She was about to invest in a scam, but luckily she dodged a bullet.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “A Cat Has Nine Lives” come from?

The origin of the phrase "A Cat Has Nine Lives" is unknown.

Is “A Cat Has Nine Lives” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "A Cat Has Nine Lives" is a well-known proverb and is commonly used in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where someone or something seems to have a lot of luck or escapes dangerous situations.

What tone does “A Cat Has Nine Lives” have?

"A Cat Has Nine Lives" conveys a tone of amazement and admiration. It's often used to express astonishment at someone's luck or ability to survive difficult circumstances.

Can “A Cat Has Nine Lives” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "A Cat Has Nine Lives" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a widely recognized proverb that conveys the idea of luck and resilience. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations or writing.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She narrowly escaped the accident, just like a cat with nine lives.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Well, "a cat has nine lives"!' to imply someone's luck or resilience.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• unscathed
• lucky as a cat
• survive against all odds
• escape unharmed
• have a charmed life

Antonyms

• out of luck
• no chance
• in harm's way
• facing danger
• one life to live