What does “Cat got your tongue?” mean?
"Cat got your tongue?" means that someone is unable to speak or remain silent.
What context can I use the in?
Example
When asked about the incident, he suddenly went quiet, like cat got his tongue.
Example
She stood there, cat got your tongue?, unable to respond to the accusation.
Example
I tried to ask him about his new job, but it seemed like cat got his tongue
Is “Cat got your tongue?” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Cat got your tongue?” 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 got your tongue?” effectively in context?
You can use "Cat got your tongue?" to playfully ask someone why they are not speaking or to express surprise at their silence. It is often used in a lighthearted or teasing manner. For example, if a friend is unusually quiet during a conversation, you might say, 'What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?'
- 1Awkward Silence
After the embarrassing incident, he stood there, cat got your tongue?, unable to utter a word.
- 2Speechless
When asked about her secret, she remained silent, as if cat got her tongue.
- 3Surprise
He was so shocked by the news that he couldn't speak, like cat got his tongue.
Similar phrases to “Cat got your tongue?”:
Tongue-tied
Unable to speak due to shyness, nervousness, or confusion
Example
She was so nervous during the presentation that she became tongue-tied.
Unable to speak due to shock, surprise, or disbelief
Example
He was speechless when he saw the surprise party his friends had organized for him.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Cat got your tongue?” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Cat got your tongue?" is unknown. It is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, but its exact source is unclear.
Is “Cat got your tongue?” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Cat got your tongue?" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used in informal settings among friends, family, and colleagues to tease or playfully inquire about someone's silence.
What tone does “Cat got your tongue?” have?
"Cat got your tongue?" conveys a playful and teasing tone. It is usually used in a light-hearted manner to provoke a response or to express surprise at someone's silence.
Can “Cat got your tongue?” be used in informal and formal settings?
While "Cat got your tongue?" is more commonly used in informal conversations, it can also be used in some formal situations to add a touch of humor or to break the ice. However, it is important to consider the context and the relationship with the person you are speaking to.
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, 'Why are you so quiet? Cat got your tongue?' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying '"Cat got your tongue?"' to playfully inquire about someone's silence.
