Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
bell the cat
idiomatic expression
ˌbɛl ðə kæt
Definition
To undertake a challenging or risky task, often for the benefit of others.
Examples
- After much discussion, Sarah finally agreed to bell the cat by confronting the boss about the unfair workload.
- It’s easy to suggest improvements, but who’s going to bell the cat and actually make them happen?
Meaning
The phrase ‘bell the cat’ refers to the act of taking on a difficult or dangerous responsibility that others are unwilling to face. It originates from a fable where mice decide to put a bell around a cat’s neck to be warned of its approach. However, it is challenging to find someone brave enough to do this, representing the difficulty of executing a plan that sounds good in theory but is hard to implement.
Synonyms
- take the initiative
- step up
- face the music
