What does “Play Cat And Mouse” mean?
"Play Cat And Mouse" means to engage in a game of chase or pursuit, where one person (the cat) tries to catch or capture another person (the mouse).
What context can I use the in?
Example
The children love to play cat and mouse in the backyard.
Example
The detective and the criminal played cat and mouse throughout the city.
Example
The siblings always play cat and mouse with each other, trying to outsmart one another
Is “Play Cat And Mouse” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Play 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 “Play Cat And Mouse” effectively in context?
You can use "Play Cat and Mouse" to describe a situation where one person is chasing or pursuing another person, often in a playful or strategic manner. It emphasizes the dynamic of one person trying to catch or outsmart the other. For example, if you see two children running around and hiding from each other, you might say, 'Look at them playing cat and mouse in the backyard.'
- 1Children's Games
The children love to play cat and mouse in the backyard.
- 2Detective Work
The detective and the criminal played cat and mouse throughout the city.
- 3Sibling Rivalry
The siblings always play cat and mouse with each other, trying to outsmart one another.
Similar phrases to “Play Cat And Mouse”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Play Cat And Mouse” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Play Cat and Mouse" is unknown.
Is “Play Cat And Mouse” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Play Cat and Mouse" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe situations where there is a playful or strategic pursuit between two individuals.
What tone does “Play Cat And Mouse” have?
"Play Cat and Mouse" conveys a tone of playfulness and strategy. It is often used to describe situations where there is a sense of excitement and competition between two parties.
Can “Play Cat And Mouse” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Play Cat and Mouse" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts, such as describing children's games or discussing strategic pursuits in professional settings.
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 played cat and mouse throughout the city.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "play cat and mouse"!' to imply engaging in a playful pursuit.
