cat and mouse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cat and mouse" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a metaphor for any situation in which one person or group is playing a game of evasion or pursuit with another person or group. For example: "The two companies had been playing a game of cat and mouse for months, each trying to outmaneuver the other in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Cat and mouse.

Independent

"Cat and mouse stuff".

The New York Times

A game of cat and mouse unfolded.

The New York Times

We were playing cat and mouse".

The New York Times - Sports

It's a bit like cat and mouse".

The Guardian

It's a game of cat and mouse.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

As a cat-and-mouse game.

The New York Times - Arts

A.T.: A cat-and-mouse game.

The New Yorker

"It's a cat-and-mouse game.

The New York Times - Sports

Cat-and-mouse baseline tennis follows.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's like a cat-and-mouse game".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "cat and mouse" to illustrate situations where one party attempts to outsmart or capture another through a series of strategic moves and counter-moves.

Common error

Avoid using "cat and mouse" when the interaction lacks a clear power imbalance or strategic element; the phrase implies a deliberate pursuit and evasion, not just a simple disagreement or competition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cat and mouse" functions primarily as a metaphorical noun phrase. It's employed to characterize scenarios involving pursuit and evasion, where one entity attempts to outwit or capture another. Ludwig confirms its aptness in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Sport

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cat and mouse" effectively captures the dynamic of pursuit and evasion, portraying a strategic interaction between two parties. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in News & Media. With a neutral tone, it aptly describes situations involving tactical maneuvering and power imbalances. The expert rating confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts. Remember to use "cat and mouse" to describe situations with clear intent of strategic moves and counter-moves.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chase and evade

Highlights both actions of pursuing and escaping.

game of pursuit

Emphasizes the act of chasing or following.

tactical game

Highlights the use of specific actions to achieve a goal.

strategic maneuvering

Focuses on the calculated actions and tactics involved.

battle of wits

Focuses on intelligence and cleverness as the primary weapons.

struggle for dominance

Shifts the focus to a power dynamic and competition.

contest of wills

Highlights the determination and resolve of the participants.

dance of deception

Emphasizes the misleading or trickery aspect.

hide-and-seek

Simpler, more literal take on pursuit and evasion.

playful teasing

Suggests a more lighthearted and less serious interaction.

FAQs

How can I use "cat and mouse" in a sentence?

The phrase "cat and mouse" is used to describe a situation where one party is trying to catch another, who in turn is trying to evade capture. For example, "The hackers and the security team played a game of "cat and mouse" for weeks."

What does the idiom "cat and mouse" mean?

The idiom "cat and mouse" refers to a situation in which one party is trying to trap or catch another, resulting in a series of near misses and evasions. It implies a power dynamic where one side has the upper hand.

What are some alternatives to "cat and mouse"?

Alternatives include phrases like "game of pursuit", "chase and evade", or "strategic maneuvering", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "cat and mouse game" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "cat and mouse game" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, it is more common in news articles and general discussions rather than strictly academic or business writing.