11 Cat Idioms & Sayings for Every Occasion (With Their Origins)

Cats have always been a popular subject in literature and art, and they have even become part of everyday language. We use plenty of cat idioms and sayings to convey different emotions and situations. Keep reading as we list several of the most popular ones and explore their origins.

The 11 Cat Idioms & Sayings

1. Curiosity Killed the Cat

Origin: 16th century

We use the “curiosity killed the cat” idiom to warn someone against being too nosy, as it can lead to trouble. Many believe that the phrase started in the 16th century, but it has a few origin theories. One suggests that it comes from a medieval play called, “Every Man,” in which a cat kills a character named Curiosity. Other people believe that the original version was “care killed the cat,” with “care” meaning worry or sorrow, which evolved into “curiosity.”

2. Let the Cat Out of the Bag

Origin: 18th century

To “let the cat out of the bag” means to reveal a secret. No one is sure of its exact origin, but one theory suggests that it comes from an old market practice where traders would replace a pig with a cat in a bag and sell it to unsuspecting customers. When discovered, the customer would let the cat out of the bag.

striped gold colored serval savannah cat looking over a wooden fence wearing a pink collar — Image Credit: Lindasj22, Shutterstock

3. The Cat’s Out of the Bag

Origin: Unclear

“The cat’s out of the bag” idiom is a variation of “let the cat out of the bag.” It means the secret is no longer hidden and everyone knows it. While no one is sure how it came to be, we use it as often as the original.

4. Like Herding Cats

Origin: 1980s

“Like herding cats” is a relatively new idiom that likely began in the 1980s, when the Oregon State Lottery had a commercial in which cowboys attempted to herd cats. The phrase caught on, and people often use it to describe a difficult or impossible task.

cats in animal shelter — Image Credit: Yulia Grigoryeva, Shutterstock

5. A Cat Nap

Origin: 19th century

A “cat nap” is a short sleep or nap that usually occurs during the day. It probably originated from people observing the many naps that cats take daily, and it likely started in the 19th century.

6. Not Enough Room to Swing a Cat

Origin: 17th century

People use the “not enough room to swing a cat” idiom to describe a small, cramped space. Many believe that it started in the 17th century, when people used the word “cat” to describe a type of whip, likely the cat o’ nine tails, a short whip that is usually about 2 1/2 feet long.

7. When the Cat’s Away, the Mice Will Play

Origin: 16th century

“When the cat’s away, the mice will play” is a common idiom that means people will take advantage of the absence of someone in charge. Many people use it to describe children, but you will also hear it frequently in the workplace and in other situations. Many people believe that it originated in the 16th century, when it was common for households to have a cat to keep mice and rats away. If the cat died or left the home, the mice would be more active in the house.

8. To Play Cat and Mouse

Origin: 16th century

“To play cat and mouse” is an idiom that describes a situation in which one person is teasing or tormenting another, like when a cat toys with a mouse before killing it. It’s an older idiom that likely started in the 16th century.

Burmese cat face before pounce hunting to toy mouse — Image Credit: Viacheslav Lopatin, Shutterstock

9. Grinning like a Cheshire Cat

Origin: 1865

“Grinning like a Cheshire cat” is an idiom that means to have a broad and mischievous smile. It likely originated from Lewis Carroll’s “Alices Adventures in Wonderland.” In that story, a Cheshire cat is known for having a distinctively wide and mischievous grin.

10. A Scaredy-Cat

Origin: 1920

A “scaredy cat” is someone who is easily frightened or timid. It likely originated from a cat’s natural behavior of running off at the first sign of danger. It likely started in the United States during the 1920s and combined the colloquial term “scaredy,” meaning scared, with the word “cat.”

11. Cat’s Got Your Tongue

Origin: Unknown

“Cat’s got your tongue” is an idiom we use when someone is at a loss for words or cannot speak. No one is sure where the phrase comes from, but one theory suggests that it originated in ancient Egypt, where they would cut out liars’ tongues and fed them to cats. It might also refer to the practice of whipping sailors with a cat o’ nine tails when caught swearing or speaking out of turn.

scared British blue-point cat hiding under the bed — Image Credit: Zossia, Shutterstock

Conclusion

Cats have made their way into our language and culture in many ways. From idioms about their natural behaviors to references in literature and popular culture, they continue to fascinate us. By understanding the origins of these idioms and sayings, we can appreciate the history behind the words that we use and our long-standing friendship with these animals.

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