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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The straightforward task rapidly devolves into a perilous game of cat and mouse, when the merciless leader of a notorious crime syndicate sets his sights on claiming the organ for himself. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2025 Hacking has long been a game of cat and mouse — attackers innovate, defenders adapt. Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 In addition to the cat and mouse intrigue there’s also the relationship story. Jeryl Brunner, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025 High profile shows set to launch include David Suchet-starrer The Au Pair, Jason Watkins and Robson Green’s cat and mouse drama Catch You Later and the latest season of All Creatures. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cat and mouse

Word History

First Known Use

1675, in the meaning defined above

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

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Cite this Entry

“Cat and mouse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cat%20and%20mouse. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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