Dictionary

cat and mouse

noun

: behavior that is like the way a cat chases a mouse or plays with a mouse before killing it

Full Definition of CAT AND MOUSE

:  behavior like that of a cat with a mouse: as
a :  the act of toying with or tormenting something before destroying it
b :  a contrived action involving constant pursuit, near captures, and repeated escapes <played a game of cat and mouse with the police>; broadly :  an evasive action
ADVERTISEMENT

First Known Use of CAT AND MOUSE

1675

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: catapanPrevious Word in the Dictionary: cat–and–dogAll Words Near: cat and mouse
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears