cat idioms and expressions

What is a cat?

You all know what a cat is right? If not, I’ll tell you…

A cat is a fluffy domesticated feline that is usually kept as a pet. A baby cat is called a ‘kitten’, a male cat is called a ‘tom’ and a slang term for a cat is ‘kitty’.

 

Larger cats include lions, tigers and leopards. These larger cats are found in the wild.​

cat idioms and expressions list

Here’s a list of idioms about cats with some picture examples.

cat got one’s tongue

meaning – a comment you make to someone when they are quiet
example – I think the cat has got Harry’s tongue; he hasn’t said a word all morning.

cat nap

meaning – a short sleep
example – When we arrive, we should have a cat nap then go exploring.

cat’s whiskers

meaning – someone/something that is excellent/superior
example – Leanne thinks she’s the cat’s whiskers. She’s just an idiot.

copycat

meaning – a person who copies another person
example – There have been lots of copycat crimes recently.

curiosity killed the cat

meaning – being inquisitive can be dangerous
example – Don’t ask where I got the money from. Curiosity killed the cat.

fat cat

meaning – a rich and powerful person who earns more than they deserve
example – A couple of fat cats want to invest in my business, they believe in my products.

fight like cat and dog

meaning – argue and fight continuously
example – Me and my brother fought like cat and dog when we were kids.

grin like a Cheshire cat

meaning – have a very big smile on your face
example – Luke asked me to marry him. I’ve been grinning like a Cheshire cat all week.

kitty

meaning – a pool of money contributions for shared use by everyone
example – Let’s start a kitty for the house. We can use it for cleaning products and toilet roll.

let the cat out (of) the bag

meaning – reveal the secret
example – We’re throwing a surprise party for my parents, don’t let the cat out of the bag.

like a cat on a hot tin roof

meaning – be anxious, agitated, nervous
example – The kids are like cats on a hot tin roof. It’s exam results day.

like the cat that got the cream

meaning – be very pleased with yourself
example – Seb is like the cat that got the cream now he is dating Sophie.

look what the cat dragged in

meaning – imply someone who has just arrived looks bad or you don’t like them
example – Look what the cat dragged in. Do you remember her? It’s that witch who lives on Southmead.

more than one way to skin a cat

meaning – there are many ways to accomplish a goal
example – I didn’t get tickets to the concert, but there is more than one way to skin a cat.

no room to swing a cat

meaning – a very small, cramped space
example – They gave me a new office. It’s nice but there is no room to swing a cat.

not a cat in hell’s chance

meaning – no chance at all
example – There is not a cat in hell’s chance Tina will take Larry back after he cheated on her.

play cat and mouse

meaning – tease/pursue before turning violent
example – I’ve been playing cat and mouse with this hot guy, but I think he has got bored of my games.

put the cat among the pigeons

meaning – do something that will cause trouble/a disturbance
example – I won’t tell Sarah I saw Tim with another woman, I don’t want to put the cat among the pigeons.

rain cats and dogs

meaning – raining heavily
example – It rained cats and dogs all week, I couldn’t hang out my washing.

scaredy cat

meaning – a wimpy person who is easily frightened
example – Lilly is such a scaredy cat. She won’t come to the cemetery with us tonight for a séance.

lion idioms

Here’s a list of idioms about lions.

the lion’s share

meaning – the majority
example – Jay gave the lion’s share of his lottery win to charity.

You can download a table of cat idioms and expressions below.

If you’ve enjoyed this page, don’t forget to check out some more animal idioms by clicking on the links below.