Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
cat-and-mouse
idiom
/ˈkat ənd ˈmaʊs/
Definition
A game or activity involving a pursuit where one participant tries to catch or outsmart another, often involving manipulation or deception.
Examples
- The detective engaged in a cat-and-mouse game with the criminal mastermind.
- In their negotiations, they seemed to be playing a cat-and-mouse game, each side holding back crucial information.
Meaning
The phrase ‘cat-and-mouse’ is commonly used to describe a situation where one side of a conflict is toying with the other side, similar to how a cat plays with its prey.
Synonyms
- pursuit
- chase
- manipulation
- mind game
