Cat Idioms in English with their meanings and Pictures

Idioms add color and creativity to language, and many of them are inspired by animals. Cat idioms are very popular in English because cats are known for their clever, curious, and playful nature. These idioms often describe everyday situations in a fun and meaningful way. For example, phrases like “let the cat out of the bag” or “curiosity killed the cat” do not talk about real cats but carry special meanings. In this article, we will learn cat idioms in English with their meanings and pictures to help learners understand and use them easily in daily conversations.

Table of Contents

Explore cat idioms in English with their meanings

Cat Idioms	Meaning
Curiosity killed the cat	Being too curious can cause trouble.
Let the cat out of the bag	Reveal a secret.
Like a cat on hot bricks	Very nervous or restless.
Cat got your tongue	When someone is unusually silent.
Fight like cats and dogs	Argue or fight fiercely.
A copycat	A person who imitates others.
Look what the cat dragged in	Said when someone arrives looking messy.
A fat cat	A wealthy and powerful person.
Play cat and mouse	To tease or trick someone.
Scaredy-cat	Someone who is easily scared.
Grinning like a Cheshire cat	Smiling widely.
Cat nap	A short sleep.
More than one way to skin a cat	Different ways to solve a problem.
Raining cats and dogs	Raining very heavily.
Bell the cat	Take on a dangerous task.
Weak as a kitten	Very weak.
Curled up like a cat	Resting comfortably.
The cat’s whiskers	Something excellent or special.
Herding cats	Trying to control impossible things.
A cat in gloves catches no mice	Being too careful may lose chances.

Explore cat idioms in English with their meanings

Master cat idioms in English with their meanings

Cat Idioms	Meaning
Cat napper	Someone who sleeps lightly.
Cat burglar	A thief who sneaks quietly.
Cat’s paw	Someone used by another person.
The cat’s pajamas	Something fashionable or great.
A cat fight	A quarrel between women.
When the cat’s away, the mice will play	People misbehave when the boss is gone.
A cool cat	A relaxed, stylish person.
A cat in hell’s chance	No chance at all.
A cat on the wall	Someone undecided.
Not enough room to swing a cat	A very small space.
A cat among the pigeons	A person or thing causing trouble.
A scaredy-kitten	A very timid child.
Busier than a one-eyed cat watching two mouse holes	Extremely busy.
A black cat crossing your path	A sign of bad luck.
Like the cat that got the cream	Looking very pleased with yourself.
A cat lick	A quick and careless wash.
Look like the cat’s meow	Look excellent or impressive.
A cat call	A loud whistle to mock or cheer.
The cat’s cradle	A tangled or complex situation.
A cat lover	Someone who adores cats.

Master cat idioms in English with their meanings

Essential cat idioms in English with their meanings

Cat Idioms	Meaning
The cat’s tail	Following trends without thought.
Cat walk	A narrow path or runway.
A cat’s eye	Something sharp or glowing in the dark.
Like a cat with nine lives	Escaping danger many times.
Cat napper’s habit	Always resting briefly.
Like a cat in the cream	Enjoying secretly.
Cat scratch	A light injury or problem.
Cat out in the cold	Left alone or ignored.
A catty remark	A spiteful or unkind comment.
Cat’s cradle of lies	A web of false stories.
To swing the cat	To move freely.
To set the cat among the hens	To cause big trouble.
Cat walk confidence	To walk proudly.
Like a cat watching a mouse	Watching carefully.
Cat got into the cream	Someone enjoying something forbidden.
Sleep like a cat	To sleep lightly.
Look like something the cat dragged in	Appear tired or messy.
Cat claw reaction	Respond sharply.
A sly cat	A very sneaky person.
Chase your own tail like a cat	Waste time without result.

Essential idiom in English with their meanings

Essential cat idioms in English with their meanings

Simple cat idiom with their meanings

Cat Idioms	Meaning
Cat napper’s chair	A cozy resting spot.
Cat house	A place of bad reputation.
Cat on the roof	Someone in danger.
Cat bite	Small problem turning serious.
Cat tongue	Rough or sharp words.
Cat scratch fever	A sudden burst of energy.
Cat ear	Very sharp hearing.
Cat claw fight	A nasty argument.
Cat fur flying	A loud quarrel.
Cat grin	A sly smile.
Cat steps	Small careful movements.
Cat paw print	A tiny sign of presence.
Cat nose	A sharp sense of smell.
Cat watch	Careful observation.
Cat tail chase	Running after something pointless.
Cat cage	Feeling trapped.
Cat nest	A warm, safe spot.
Cat howl	A loud complaint.
Cat whisker close	Very near to happening.
Cat eye view	A different perspective.

Simple cat idioms in English with their meanings

Popular cat idiom with their meanings

Cat Idioms	Meaning
Cat dream	A pleasant wish.
Cat play	Foolish fun.
Cat shadow	Following closely behind.
Cat ear twitch	A quick reaction.
Cat scratch game	A playful fight.
Cat fur soft	Something gentle.
Cat jump	A sudden surprise.
Cat sit	Waiting quietly.
Cat whisper	A soft secret.
Cat step light	Moving silently.
Cat curl	Resting peacefully.
Cat nosey	Too curious.
Cat mask	Hiding true feelings.
Cat climb	Rising slowly.
Cat drift	Moving without aim.
Cat spin	Confused state.
Cat slip	A small mistake.
Cat purr	Feeling very happy.
Cat growl	Showing hidden anger.
Cat shine	Looking attractive.