What does “Cat’s Paw” mean?
"Cat's Paw" means a person who is used by someone else to do their dirty work or carry out their plans.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He's just a cat's paw for the corrupt politician.
Example
The CEO used her assistant as a cat's paw to fire employees.
Example
The criminal mastermind always has a cat's paw to do his bidding
Is “Cat’s Paw” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Cat’s Paw” 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’s Paw” effectively in context?
You can use "Cat's Paw" to describe a person who is being used by someone else to do their dirty work or carry out their plans. It emphasizes the idea of manipulation and exploitation. For example, if you suspect that a coworker is being used by a corrupt manager to carry out unethical activities, you might say, 'He's just a cat's paw for the corrupt politician.'
- 1Politics
The mayor used his loyal aide as a cat's paw to smear his opponent's reputation.
- 2Workplace
The CEO used her assistant as a cat's paw to fire employees without taking responsibility.
- 3Crime
The criminal mastermind always has a cat's paw to do his bidding and carry out illegal activities.
Similar phrases to “Cat’s Paw”:
A person who is controlled or manipulated by another
Example
The dictator treated his subordinates like puppets, pulling the strings to get what he wanted.
A person who is blamed or punished for the wrongdoings of others
Example
The manager made the new employee the scapegoat for the team's failure.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Cat’s Paw” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Cat's Paw" can be traced back to an old fable by Aesop. In the fable, a monkey convinces a cat to retrieve chestnuts from a fire. The cat uses its paw to grab the hot chestnuts, burning itself in the process, while the monkey enjoys the chestnuts without any harm. This story illustrates the idea of someone being used or manipulated by another person for their own benefit.
Is “Cat’s Paw” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Cat's Paw" is a well-known idiom in everyday conversation. While it may not be as commonly used as some other idioms, it is still familiar to many English speakers and can be easily understood in context.
What tone does “Cat’s Paw” have?
"Cat's Paw" conveys a tone of manipulation and exploitation. It is often used to criticize the person who is using others for their own gain or to express sympathy for the person being manipulated.
Can “Cat’s Paw” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Cat's Paw" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts, such as conversations with friends, discussions at work, or even in more formal writing.
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, 'He's just a cat's paw for the corrupt politician.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Don't be a cat's paw!' to warn someone against being manipulated.
