What does it mean when a cat has your tongue?

What does it mean when a cat has your tongue?

cat / cat’s got your tongue: an expression that is used when someone is quiet and isn’t talking or responding when you expect them to. Notes: It isn’t clear exactly where this idiom originated but it’s obvious that it would be difficult to speak if a cat did get your tongue!

What is the figurative meaning of cat got your tongue?

The phrase ‘Cat Got Your Tongue’ is used to describe when someone is at a loss of words or being unusually quiet.

Where did the cat got your tongue phrase come from?

The earliest use of the phrase cat got you tongue? is found in an American magazine in 1881, where it is described as a taunt used by children. One origin theory is that cat got your tongue? stems from the medieval fear of witches and their familiars, black cats.

What is the meaning of the idiom back to the wall?

In a hard-pressed situation; also, without any way of escape. For example, In the closing few minutes, our team had its back to the wall but continued to fight gallantly, or The bank has him with his back to the wall; he’ll have to pay up now.

What does it mean when someone says back to the wall?

: in a bad position in which one is forced to do something in order to avoid failure We knew that with so little time and money left to finish the project we had our backs to the wall.

What does it mean when someone says when pigs fly?

Definition of when pigs fly —used to say that one thinks that something will never happen The train station will be renovated when pigs fly.

Why is Cat got your tongue offensive?

Cat got your tongue? Origin: The English Navy used to use a whip called “Cat-o’-nine-tails” for flogging. The pain was so severe that it caused the victim to stay quiet for a long time. Another possible source could be from ancient Egypt, where liars’ and blasphemers’ tongues were cut out and fed to the cats.

What does leaving someone high and dry mean?

to leave someone in a difficult situation which they are unable to do anything about.

What is the meaning of clutching at straws?

Also, clutch at straws. Make a desperate attempt at saving oneself. For example, He had lost the argument, but he kept grasping at straws, naming numerous previous cases that had little to do with this one. This metaphoric expression alludes to a drowning person trying to save himself by grabbing at flimsy reeds.

What does it mean to button your lip?

US, informal. : to not talk about something Button your lip. He’s coming toward us. Don’t tell him what I said, please. You know he can’t keep his lips buttoned.