What does “Cat-and-Mouse (adj.)” mean?
"Cat-and-Mouse (adj.)" means a situation where two people or groups are constantly trying to outsmart or deceive each other.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The detective and the criminal engaged in a cat-and-mouse chase throughout the city.
Example
The two rival companies played a cat-and-mouse game, constantly trying to one-up each other.
Example
The spy and the double agent were locked in a cat-and-mouse battle of wits
Is “Cat-and-Mouse (adj.)” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Cat-and-Mouse (adj.)” 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 (adj.)” effectively in context?
You can use "Cat-and-Mouse" to describe a situation where two people or groups are constantly trying to outsmart or deceive each other. It emphasizes the element of strategy and cunning in the interaction. For example, if you're talking about a competitive sports match, you might say, 'It was a real cat-and-mouse game between the two teams, with each side trying to anticipate and counter the other's moves.'
- 1Crime
The detective and the criminal engaged in a cat-and-mouse chase throughout the city.
- 2Business
The two rival companies played a cat-and-mouse game, constantly trying to one-up each other.
- 3Espionage
The spy and the double agent were locked in a cat-and-mouse battle of wits.
Similar phrases to “Cat-and-Mouse (adj.)”:
Tug-of-war
A situation where two parties are in a constant struggle or competition
Example
The negotiations turned into a tug-of-war between the two companies, each trying to gain the upper hand.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Cat-and-Mouse (adj.)” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Cat-and-Mouse" is unknown.
Is “Cat-and-Mouse (adj.)” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Cat-and-Mouse" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation. It's often used to describe situations where there is a constant back-and-forth between two parties, with each trying to outsmart or deceive the other.
What tone does “Cat-and-Mouse (adj.)” have?
"Cat-and-Mouse" conveys a tone of strategy and cunning. It implies a level of excitement and intrigue as the two parties engage in a battle of wits.
Can “Cat-and-Mouse (adj.)” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Cat-and-Mouse" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a specific dynamic between two parties. You can use it in casual conversations with friends or colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional 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, 'The two teams were engaged in a cat-and-mouse game throughout the match.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'It's a real cat-and-mouse situation!' to imply a situation of constant strategy and deception.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- battle of wits
- game of cat and mouse
- strategic maneuvering
- deceptive tactics
- outsmarting each other
Antonyms
- open collaboration
- transparent negotiation
- honest communication
- mutual trust
