What does “The cat's meow” mean?

"The cat's meow" means something or someone that is highly admired or considered to be excellent.

What context can I use the in?

Example

That new sports car is definitely the cat's meow.

Example

Her fashion sense is always the cat's meow.

Example

The restaurant's signature dish is the cat's meow of the menu

Is “The cat's meow” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“The cat's meow” 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 “The cat's meow” effectively in context?

You can use "The cat's meow" to describe something or someone that is highly admired or considered to be excellent. It emphasizes the idea of being at the top or the best in a particular category. For example, if you see a new sports car that you find impressive, you might say, 'That new sports car is definitely the cat's meow.'

1Fashion
Her fashion sense is always the cat's meow.
2Food
The restaurant's signature dish is the cat's meow of the menu.
3General admiration
The new art exhibit is the cat's meow of the town.

Similar phrases to “The cat's meow”:

The bee's knees

Something or someone that is highly admired or considered to be excellent

Example

Her cooking skills are the bee's knees.

Cream of the crop

The best or most outstanding of a group

Example

The top three finalists are the cream of the crop.

Top-notch

Of the highest quality or excellence

Example

Their customer service is always top-notch.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “The cat's meow” come from?

The origin of the phrase "The cat's meow" is unknown.

Is “The cat's meow” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "The cat's meow" is a well-known idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express their admiration for something or someone they consider to be excellent.

What tone does “The cat's meow” have?

"The cat's meow" conveys a tone of admiration and praise. It's often used to highlight something exceptional or outstanding.

Can “The cat's meow” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "The cat's meow" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of high admiration. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.

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, 'That new sports car is definitely the cat's meow.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Wow, the cat's meow!' to express admiration.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

the top of the line
the crème de la crème
the best thing since sliced bread
the pinnacle of perfection
the epitome of excellence