English idioms with cats
Lots of you will have heard of the idiom ‘It’s raining cats and dogs’ but did you know that it’s not actually used in English conversation very often these days? However, there are plenty of other feline related English idioms out there, so let’s explore some of them.
In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at five idioms involving cats, breaking down their meanings and providing examples of how they may arise in general conversation.
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To let the cat out of the bag
This idiom means to reveal a secret or disclose information that was supposed to be kept confidential.
Example: Sarah accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party for her friend.
To not have a cat in hell’s chance
If someone doesn't have a cat in hell's chance, it means they have little to no chance of success or achieving a particular goal. This expression emphasizes the difficulty of the situation.
Example: With only a day to prepare, Mark doesn't have a cat in hell's chance of finishing the project on time.
Not enough room to swing a cat
This idiom describes a very confined or cramped space. The imagery here is quite vivid, suggesting that the space is so limited that you couldn't even swing a small cat around.
Example: The tiny apartment was so cluttered that there wasn't enough room to swing a cat.
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English Idioms in Use- Intermediate
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Like herding cats
Herding cats refers to the seemingly impossible task of trying to control or organize a group of independent and unruly individuals. Cats are known for their independence, making them difficult to herd.
Example: Managing the team of creative minds was like herding cats; everyone had their own ideas and directions.
To look like something the cat dragged in
This idiom is used to describe someone who looks disheveled, untidy, or generally unwell. The image is of a person who appears as if they've been through a rough experience, much like an object a cat might bring home.
Example: After a long night of work, Jake came into the office looking like something the cat dragged in.
