Idioms are special phrases where the words together have a different meaning than what they say one by one. People use them to make conversation more colorful and fun to listen to. In this article, you will learn fifty different idioms that are all about cats.
In this lesson, we’ll look at idioms that mean clever things about felines, mystery, and curiosity. Let’s get started and explore some of these helpful expressions.
Idioms for Cats
1. Fat cat
Definition: A wealthy and powerful person, often one who is seen as selfish or lazy.
Used in a Sentence: The factory owner acted like a fat cat while his workers asked for better pay. / Only a fat cat could afford to buy a yacht that large.
Similar Expressions: Big shot / High roller
2. Cat nap
Definition: A short sleep during the day.
Used in a Sentence: Grandpa likes to take a cat nap on the couch after eating lunch. / I needed a quick cat nap before finishing my homework.
Similar Expressions: Power nap / Doze
3. Copycat
Definition: Someone who copies what another person does or says.
Used in a Sentence: My little sister was a copycat and wore the exact same shirt as me today. / Stop being a copycat and draw your own unique picture.
Similar Expressions: Imitator / Ape
4. Let the cat out of the bag
Definition: To share a secret by accident.
Used in a Sentence: Leo let the cat out of the bag about the surprise birthday party. / Try not to let the cat out of the bag before we give Mom her gift.
Similar Expressions: Spill the beans / Give the game away
5. Curiosity killed the cat
Definition: Being too inquisitive or nosy can lead to trouble or danger.
Used in a Sentence: When Maya tried to peek inside the locked box, her mother warned her that curiosity killed the cat. / Do not touch those wires just to see what happens because curiosity killed the cat.
Similar Expressions: Meddling brings trouble / Beware of nosiness
6. Rain cats and dogs
Definition: To rain very heavily.
Used in a Sentence: We had to cancel our baseball game because it started to rain cats and dogs outside. / Grab an umbrella because it is raining cats and dogs right now.
Similar Expressions: Pouring / Bucketing down
7. Cat got your tongue
Definition: Said to someone who is suddenly silent and will not speak.
Used in a Sentence: When the teacher asked who ate the cookie, Tim stayed quiet and she asked if the cat got his tongue. / You look very shy today, has the cat got your tongue?
Similar Expressions: Speechless / Tongue-tied
8. Play cat and mouse
Definition: To act in a teasing way where one person tries to trick or trap another over and over.
Used in a Sentence: The detective and the sneaky thief played cat and mouse across the city all week. / Stop playing cat and mouse with me and tell me the truth.
Similar Expressions: Toy with / Maneuver
9. Not enough room to swing a cat
Definition: A very small space.
Used in a Sentence: Their new apartment was so tiny that there was not enough room to swing a cat. / We could barely move around in the crowded closet because there was not enough room to swing a cat.
Similar Expressions: Cramped quarters / Sardine can
10. Fight like cats and dogs
Definition: To argue or fight with each other all the time.
Used in a Sentence: The two brothers fight like cats and dogs whenever they share a video game. / Even though they fight like cats and dogs, they still care about each other deeply.
Similar Expressions: At each other’s throats / Bicker constantly
11. Look like what the cat dragged in
Definition: To look very messy, tired, or dirty after being outside.
Used in a Sentence: After playing soccer in the muddy rain, Sam looked like what the cat dragged in. / You look like what the cat dragged in after staying up all night studying.
Similar Expressions: Messy appearance / Rough shape
12. Put a cat among the pigeons
Definition: To do or say something that causes a lot of trouble or worry.
Used in a Sentence: Telling the class about the surprise pop quiz was like putting a cat among the pigeons. / His wild idea put a cat among the pigeons at the office meeting.
Similar Expressions: Stir the pot / Cause an uproar
13. When the cat’s away, the mice will play
Definition: People will behave badly or have fun when the person in charge is not around.
Used in a Sentence: The students started talking loudly the second the teacher left the room because when the cat’s away, the mice will play. / We stayed up late watching movies last night while our parents were out since when the cat’s away, the mice will play.
Similar Expressions: Unsupervised fun / Freedom reigns
14. Cool cat
Definition: A stylish, calm, and popular person.
Used in a Sentence: My older cousin plays jazz piano and has always been a real cool cat. / Everyone wanted to hang out with him because he acted like a cool cat.
Similar Expressions: Hipster / Smooth operator
15. Skinned cat
Definition: There is more than one way to achieve a goal.
Used in a Sentence: You can solve this math problem using division or drawing pictures, because there is more than one way to skin a cat. / My dad fixed the bike using tape instead of glue, proving there is more than one way to skin a cat.
Similar Expressions: Multiple methods / Different approaches
16. Alley cat
Definition: A stray cat that lives on the streets, or someone who wanders around at night.
Used in a Sentence: We saw a skinny alley cat looking for food behind the restaurant. / He stays out late every weekend like an alley cat.
Similar Expressions: Stray / Roamer
17. Wildcat strike
Definition: A sudden strike by workers without the approval of their union.
Used in a Sentence: The bus drivers walked off the job yesterday in a wildcat strike. / Management was surprised by the sudden wildcat strike called by the factory workers.
Similar Expressions: Unauthorized strike / Spontaneous walkout
18. Cat burglar
Definition: A thief who steals by climbing into buildings quietly.
Used in a Sentence: The smart cat burglar managed to sneak through the second-story window without waking anyone. / Police are searching for a clever cat burglar who stole the rare diamond.
Similar Expressions: Stealthy thief / Night prowler
19. Cheshire cat smile
Definition: A very wide, toothy grin that shows great satisfaction.
Used in a Sentence: Ben had a Cheshire cat smile on his face after winning first place in the spelling bee. / She walked into the room with a Cheshire cat smile because she knew the secret.
Similar Expressions: Grinning ear to ear / Radiant grin
20. Like a cat on a hot tin roof
Definition: Being very nervous, restless, or jittery.
Used in a Sentence: Mark acted like a cat on a hot tin roof while waiting to hear if he passed his audition. / She paced back and forth like a cat on a hot tin roof before her big speech.
Similar Expressions: On tenterhooks / Jumpy
21. Catbird seat
Definition: A position of great advantage or control.
Used in a Sentence: After scoring three goals in the first half, our team was sitting in the catbird seat. / Having extra study notes put her in the catbird seat for the final exam.
Similar Expressions: In the driver’s seat / Upper hand
22. Scaredy-cat
Definition: A person who is easily frightened or timid.
Used in a Sentence: Do not be a scaredy-cat, the roller coaster is completely safe. / My little brother is a scaredy-cat who won’t watch scary movies.
Similar Expressions: Coward / Chicken
23. Let sleeping dogs lie
Definition: Though involving a dog, it is often grouped with pet idioms to mean leaving a peaceful situation alone to avoid trouble.
Used in a Sentence: It is better to let sleeping dogs lie instead of bringing up old arguments with your friends. / We decided not to mention the broken vase and just let sleeping dogs lie.
Similar Expressions: Leave well enough alone / Don’t stir up trouble
24. Look like the cat that swallowed the canary
Definition: To look extremely pleased with oneself.
Used in a Sentence: Leo looked like the cat that swallowed the canary after finding the hidden treasure. / She smiled like the cat that swallowed the canary when her painting won the ribbon.
Similar Expressions: Smug / Very pleased
25. Cat’s paw
Definition: Someone who is used by another person to do dangerous or unpleasant work.
Used in a Sentence: The villain used his henchman as a cat’s paw to steal the gold. / I realized I was just being a cat’s paw when they made me take the blame for the mess.
Similar Expressions: Pawn / Tool
26. Tom_cat
Definition: An unneutered male cat, or a man who flirts with many women.
Used in a Sentence: The neighbor’s loud tomcat kept me awake all night with its yowling. / He spent his youth acting like a wild tomcat before settling down.
Similar Expressions: Prower / Ladies man
27. Put the cat among the canaries
Definition: To place someone vulnerable in a dangerous situation with a predator.
Used in a Sentence: Leaving the new puppy alone with the big dogs felt like putting the cat among the canaries. / Letting him handle the sensitive money accounts was like putting the cat among the canaries.
Similar Expressions: Fox in the henhouse / Wolf among sheep
28. House cat
Definition: A tame cat that lives indoors, or a person who prefers staying at home.
Used in a Sentence: My aunt is a total house cat who rarely goes out on weekends. / That fluffy white house cat loves to sleep by the fireplace all day.
Similar Expressions: Homebody / Indoor pet
29. Cat scan
Definition: A medical imaging procedure, though sharing the word cat, it comes from computerized tomography.
Used in a Sentence: The doctor ordered a cat scan to check on the patient’s head injury. / The machine used for the cat scan made a buzzing sound while taking pictures.
Similar Expressions: CT scan / Medical scan
30. Catcall
Definition: A loud, rude whistle or shout directed at someone in public.
Used in a Sentence: Walking down the busy street, she ignored an annoying catcall from a passing car. / The umpire received a loud catcall from the angry fans in the stands.
Similar Expressions: Whistle / Jeer
31. Not a cat in hell’s chance
Definition: Having zero chance of success.
Used in a Sentence: Our team had not a cat in hell’s chance of winning against the state champions. / Without studying, you have not a cat in hell’s chance of passing this test.
Similar Expressions: Fat chance / Impossible
32. Cat-o’-nine-tails
Definition: A historical whip with nine knotted cords.
Used in a Sentence: Sailors long ago feared being punished with the cat-o’-nine-tails. / The old museum display featured a heavy cat-o’-nine-tails from an ancient ship.
Similar Expressions: Multi-lash whip / Scourge
33. Grumpy cat
Definition: Someone who is always in a bad mood or frowning.
Used in a Sentence: Uncle Joe woke up feeling like a grumpy cat before drinking his morning coffee. / Do not be such a grumpy cat when we are trying to have fun.
Similar Expressions: Sourpuss / Grouch
34. Cat-eyed
Definition: Having eyes that glow in the dark or see very well in the dark.
Used in a Sentence: The cat-eyed creature peered out from the bushes at night. / My cat is so cat-eyed she can spot a bug across a dark room.
Similar Expressions: Night-vision / Sharp-eyed
35. Fat cat policy
Definition: Rules or plans that benefit rich people or large companies the most.
Used in a Sentence: The protesters marched against the new tax law, calling it a fat cat policy. / Voters rejected the fat cat policy that cut funding for public schools.
Similar Expressions: Elite favoritism / Wealth-biased rules
36. Catty
Definition: Being mean, spiteful, or gossipy toward others.
Used in a Sentence: It is not nice to make catty remarks about your classmates behind their backs. / The girls stopped talking because they were tired of the catty comments.
Similar Expressions: Spiteful / Malicious
37. Big cat
Definition: A large wild feline like a lion, tiger, or leopard.
Used in a Sentence: We saw a magnificent big cat resting under a tree at the wildlife park. / Tigers and lions are types of big cats found in the wild.
Similar Expressions: Large predator / Wild feline
38. Catwalk
Definition: A narrow bridge or pathway high up, often used in fashion shows or factories.
Used in a Sentence: The model walked gracefully down the shiny fashion show catwalk. / The workers used a metal catwalk to check the overhead machinery.
Similar Expressions: Elevated walkway / Runway
39. Ring around the cat
Definition: A playful circle game or minor mess made by a pet.
Used in a Sentence: The kitten chased its tail in a ring around the cat game. / We cleaned up the yarn after the kitten made a ring around the cat.
Similar Expressions: Pet circle / Round game
40. Pussyfoot
Definition: To act fearfully, cautiously, or avoid making a firm decision.
Used in a Sentence: Stop pussyfooting around and tell us your final choice for the team captain. / He pussyfooted about asking for a raise because he was too nervous.
Similar Expressions: Hesitate / Beat around the bush
41. Catmint
Definition: A plant that cats love to smell and roll around in.
Used in a Sentence: We planted fresh catmint in the garden for our pet kitten. / The cat rolled joyfully in the patch of catmint near the porch.
Similar Expressions: Catnip / Herb
42. Cat-nap the day away
Definition: To spend an entire afternoon sleeping lightly.
Used in a Sentence: On lazy Sundays, I love to cat-nap the day away. / The sleepy kitten decided to cat-nap the day away in the sunbeam.
Similar Expressions: Sleep the day away / Snooze
43. Cat nap central
Definition: A cozy spot where pets or people always go to sleep.
Used in a Sentence: The soft velvet armchair became cat nap central for our aging feline. / That sunny window seat is cat nap central in our house.
Similar Expressions: Sleeping hotspot / Cozy nook
44. Nine lives
Definition: The belief that cats have multiple lives, meaning someone survives a dangerous situation.
Used in a Sentence: After falling off the tall fence and walking away unhurt, the kitten must have nine lives. / Stunt drivers seem like they have nine lives when they perform risky tricks.
Similar Expressions: Lucky survivor / Miracle worker
45. Cat’s meow
Definition: Something or someone that is wonderful, excellent, or very popular.
Used in a Sentence: In the 1920s, people used to say that jazz music was the cat’s meow. / My new bicycle is the cat’s meow because it has twenty gears.
Similar Expressions: The best / Fantastic
46. Cat’s pajamas
Definition: An old-fashioned way to describe something exceptionally good or cool.
Used in a Sentence: Grandma thought her new polka-dot dress was the cat’s pajamas. / Everyone agreed that the chocolate ice cream cake was the cat’s pajamas.
Similar Expressions: Terrific / Top-notch
47. Catnap routine
Definition: A regular habit of taking short afternoon rests.
Used in a Sentence: My grandfather has a strict catnap routine right after watching the midday news. / The tired puppy fell right into its daily catnap routine.
Similar Expressions: Resting habit / Nap schedule
48. Cool as a cat
Definition: Staying very calm and relaxed under pressure.
Used in a Sentence: Even when the fire alarm rang, Liam stayed as cool as a cat and led the line outside. / She remained cool as a cat during the tough championship chess match.
Similar Expressions: Calm and collected / Unfazed
49. Cat eye glasses
Definition: Stylish vintage eyeglasses shaped to look like a cat’s upward-tilted eyes.
Used in a Sentence: My teacher wore fun red cat eye glasses to school today. / Vintage stores often sell old-fashioned cat eye glasses.
Similar Expressions: Slanted frames / Retro glasses
50. Alley cat blues
Definition: A feeling of loneliness or wandering aimlessly like a stray animal.
Used in a Sentence: Sitting alone on the porch on a rainy night gave him the alley cat blues. / She sang a sweet song about the alley cat blues she felt when moving to a new town.
Similar Expressions: Loneliness / Street sorrow
Exercise to Practice
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Answer Key
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Conclusion
Learning idioms about cats is a fun way to make your writing and speaking much more interesting. These colorful phrases help you describe people, feelings, and everyday situations with creativity.
Try using a few of these cat idioms the next time you talk with your friends or write a story at school. You will see how much more engaging your conversations become when you add fun expressions!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common idioms for cats?
Some of the most popular cat idioms include let the cat out of the bag, cat nap, and curiosity killed the cat. People use these expressions every day in casual conversation.
Why do we use idioms in English?
Idioms make our language more colorful, expressive, and fun. Instead of using plain words, idioms paint a clear picture in the listener’s mind.
Are cat idioms hard to understand?
They can be tricky at first because you cannot figure out their meaning just by looking at the individual words. However, once you learn the definitions, they become very easy to use.
Can I use these idioms in school writing?
Yes, using idioms can make your stories and essays much more creative and enjoyable to read. Just make sure you use them correctly in the right context.
How many cat idioms exist in English?
There are dozens of unique idioms related to cats, ranging from everyday phrases like copycat to older expressions like the cat’s pajamas.
