An idiom is a word, phrase, or entire sentence whose meaning is understood through its

common use. An idiom is best understood through casual conversation and experience. This is because an idiom’s meaning is different from the literal definition of the phrase.

There are many idioms related to animal names and for today's lesson we have put together a list of the most popular idioms related to cats.

✅ To rain cats and dogs

To rain very hard.

E.g: It rained cats and dogs all weekend but it was kind of nice and relaxing. 

✅ Cat got your tongue?

Why are you not speaking?

E.g: What’s wrong with you? Cat got your tongue?

✅ A cat (has) nine lives

Cats can survive accidents that would kill most animals.

E.g: He has come so close to getting in car accidents so many times. He is like a cat with nine lives

✅ A cat nap

A short sleep taken during the day.

E.g: Maybe I can close my office door and squeeze a cat nap in between my meetings this afternoon. 

✅ A copycat

Someone who imitates others or who copies another person’s work.

E.g: She is a total copycat. I can’t believe she stole that idea from me and acted like it was hers!

✅ Curiosity killed the cat

Being too inquisitive or curious may get a person into trouble or danger.

E.g: Don’t ask so many questions. Remember, curiosity killed the cat.

✅ To let the cat out of the bag

to tell something that is supposed to be a secret or surprise, often accidentally.

E.g: I can’t believe you let the cat out of the bag and told everyone that we’re having a baby!

✅ A cat on a hot tin roof

Full of anxiety, often waiting or anticipating something e.g: My husband was bouncing around like a cat on a hot tin roof before my son’s surgery.

✅ To look like something the cat dragged in

To look very tired, untidy, or dirty.

E.g: After that horrible 14-hour bus ride, to say that we looked like something the cat dragged in would be the biggest understatement of the year.

✅ Look what the cat dragged in

A way to say, “Look who has arrived!”.

E.g: Look what the cat dragged in! It’s been a long time, James!

✅ To play cat and mouse with (someone)

To fool or tease someone, to change between different types of behavior when dealing with someone, to try to make someone react in a way that will cause them problems.

E.g: Please stop playing cat and mouse with him and just give him your answer.

✅ There is more than one way to skin a cat

You can always find more than one way to do something.

E.g: You know, there’s more than one way to skin a cat. If this attempt didn’t work, I have another idea.

✅ A wildcat

Strike a strike spontaneously arranged by a group of workers or without union approval.

E.g: I heard there is a wildcat bus strike today.

✅ To fight like cats and dogs

To argue with someone (usually used for people who know each other).

E.g: My kids were fighting like cats and dogs last night.

✅ A scaredy-cat

Someone who is easily frightened, often when there is no reason to be.

E.g: Why are you being such a scaredy-cat? Just come!

Did you already know any of these idioms or do you know any other idioms that are not on the list? Tell us in the comments section!

We hope this lesson has been helpful for you.

Schedule a lesson today to practice with our native speaker tutors. Use the code LIMLAUNCH to get a 50% discount!