Bell the cat In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "bell the cat", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

author Christina Quynh calendar 2021-03-29 05:03

Meaning of Bell the cat

Synonyms:

dangerous , impossible , pay lip service to something , risky

Bell the cat British phrase fable

When you ask someone 'Who will bell the cat?' , you wish to know as to which individual will agree to undertake an impossible or dangerous task.

To do an impossible or dangerous task

You want me to be an undercover informant for the police. - No way. Who will bell the cat?

I am going to bell the cat and tell my mom that I have just had a car crash.

Someone has to bell the cat and tell the boss that there is a big mistake in the report.

Who will bell the cat and tell mom we broke her favorite vase?

Other phrases about:

One for the Money, Two for the Show
Used as a countdown to begin something
show/teach sb the ropes

to show or teach somebody how to do something

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step

No matter how difficult a task is, you can get it to be done by starting to do simple things.

 

step into (someone's) boots

To replace someone in a job or position, and continue their work

make fast work of (someone or something)

To deal with, finish or eliminate someone or something quickly and effectively

Grammar and Usage of Bell the cat

Verb Forms

  • bells the cat
  • belled the cat

The verb “bell” should be conjugated according to its tense.

Origin of Bell the cat

To perform a dangerous task
Image Source: Vidhu Saxena (blog.usejournal.com)

The phrase derives from one of Aesop ‘s fables, which is under the titles “The Belling Cat” or “The Mice in Council”. The story is about a group of mice who were terrified of the house cat. One of them suggested putting a bell around the cat’s neck to warn of his arrival. Everybody found that it is a good idea, however, no one volunteers to do this task. The lesson from the story is that we must consider the probability of the outcome and methods to perform them. The plan itself must be achieved or it only looks good on paper?

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run against the grain

To do something in an unusual way

Example:

I guess I like to run against the grain in everything I do.

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