What does “Cat and mouse” mean?
"Cat and mouse" means a game of chase or pursuit, where one person or group is constantly trying to catch or outsmart the other.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The kids played a game of cat and mouse in the backyard.
Example
The detective and the criminal engaged in a thrilling game of cat and mouse.
Example
The spy and the enemy agent were locked in a dangerous game of cat and mouse
Is “Cat and mouse” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Cat and mouse” 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 “Cat and mouse” effectively in context?
You can use "Cat and Mouse" to describe a situation where there is a constant chase or pursuit, with one person or group trying to catch or outsmart the other. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this idiom effectively:
- 1Children's Games
The kids played a game of cat and mouse in the backyard, taking turns being the cat and the mouse.
- 2Crime and Investigation
The detective and the criminal engaged in a thrilling game of cat and mouse, with the detective always one step behind.
- 3Espionage and Spying
The spy and the enemy agent were locked in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, each trying to outwit and outmaneuver the other.
Similar phrases to “Cat and mouse”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Cat and mouse” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Cat and Mouse" can be traced back to the 17th century. It is believed to have originated from the behavior of cats and mice, where cats would chase mice in a game of pursuit. Over time, the phrase has evolved to describe any situation where one person or group is constantly trying to catch or outsmart the other.
Is “Cat and mouse” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Cat and Mouse" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe situations of pursuit, competition, or evasion.
What tone does “Cat and mouse” have?
"Cat and Mouse" conveys a tone of excitement and suspense. It is often used to describe situations that involve strategy, cunning, and a constant back-and-forth between two parties.
Can “Cat and mouse” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "cat and mouse" is commonly used in both informal and formal settings. It can be used in casual conversations among friends or colleagues, as well as in more formal contexts such as literature, movies, or professional discussions.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The detective and the criminal were engaged in a thrilling game of "cat and mouse".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Let the "cat and mouse" begin!' to imply the start of a chase or pursuit.
