Play cat and mouse

Meaning

The idiom "play cat and mouse" refers to a game or situation in which two people or groups are constantly trying to outsmart each other, with one person or group always being one step ahead of the other. The name of the game comes from the legendary tale of the Cat and Mouse, where the Cat tries to catch the Mouse by chasing it around the house.

Usage

• In a corporate setting, the two rival companies were playing cat and mouse with each other, constantly trying to one-up each other in terms of marketing strategies and product launches.
• The police were playing cat and mouse with the suspect, who kept changing routes and hiding places in an attempt to avoid capture.
• In a political campaign, the two candidates were playing cat and mouse with each other, constantly trying to predict their opponent's moves and counter them before they could be implemented.
• The game of chess can be seen as a form of cat and mouse, where players take turns trying to outsmart their opponent by making strategic moves.
• In a romantic relationship, the two partners might play cat and mouse with each other, constantly trying to keep their emotions in check and not give too much away.

Roots and History

The origin of the idiom "play cat and mouse" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in medieval times when cats and mice were kept as pets by wealthy people. The game was popular among both children and adults, and was often played during special occasions such as weddings or New Year's celebrations. Over time, the idiom has evolved to refer to any situation in which two parties are constantly trying to outsmart each other. It is now commonly used in business, politics, sports, and other fields.

Synonyms in English

• Play hide and seek
• Keep one step ahead
• Outmaneuver someone
• Outsmart someone
• Trick or deceive someone

Synonyms in other languages

• Juego de ratas (Spanish) - A game of rats, a game played between two people where they constantly try to outsmart each other.
• Spel van de muizen en de kat (Dutch) - The Cat and Mouse Game, a children's game in which players take turns trying to predict their opponent's moves and counter them before they can be implemented.
• 鼠と猫の遊ぶ (Japanese) - A game played between two cats and two mice where they try to catch each other.
• 쥐와 고양이의 게임 (Korean) - The Cat and Mouse Game, a game played in Korea where players take turns trying to predict their opponent's moves and counter them before they can be implemented.
• فرزان و الشغبین (Persian) - A traditional Persian story about the Cat and Mouse, where the two creatures constantly try to outsmart each other and cause chaos in the world around them.

Similar Idioms

• bone to pick

• point out

• love rat