cat and mouse

noun

: behavior like that of a cat with a mouse: such 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

Examples of cat and mouse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Barkin plays a prime suspect who also becomes Pacino's lover, leading to a dangerously erotic game of cat and mouse. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 15 Oct. 2024 Such is the demand for the Brazilian artist-jeweller's designs (output rarely exceeds 45 pieces a year) that securing examples of her work for a photo shoot can become a game of cat and mouse. Felix Bischof, theweek, 11 Oct. 2024 For the White House and Commerce Department, keeping pace with all of these workarounds has been a constant game of cat and mouse. Issie Lapowsky, WIRED, 10 Oct. 2024 Cybersecurity is frequently referred to as a game of cat and mouse, encapsulating the need for companies to keep on top of all the latest scams and hacking techniques in a bid to outwit ever-savvier attackers. Nimrod Lehavi, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cat and mouse 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cat and mouse.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1675, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cat and mouse was in 1675

Dictionary Entries Near cat and mouse

Cite this Entry

“Cat and mouse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cat%20and%20mouse. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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