ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bell the cat

idiom
Meaning

To undertake a dangerous action in the service of a group.


Origin

disputed origin

From a medieval fable in which mice agree that a bell should be put round a cat's neck so they will always be warned of its arrival, but cannot agree who should undertake the dangerous task.

Examples
SIMPLE

Someone needs to bell the cat and tell the boss the truth.

CONTEXTUAL

The project is failing, but nobody wants to bell the cat by admitting it to the manager.

COMPLEX

Although the entire department recognized the systemic flaws in the new policy, no one was brave enough to bell the cat during the executive meeting.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bear away the bell

    To be superior in something.

  2. 02

    bell out

    To open out into a bell shape.

  3. 03

    cat and dog life

    An unhappy married life marked by arguments and disagreements.

  4. 04

    cat got someone's tongue

    Why is someone not saying anything?

  5. 05

    cat in the meal-tub

    Something concealed; a hidden danger.

  6. 06

    cat piss

    Any beverage of low quality.

  7. 07

    cat that ate the canary

    A person who appears self-satisfied or smug, especially while concealing something mischievous, prohibited, or private.

  8. 08

    cool cat

    A person who performs or appreciates jazz, especially one whose style of speech and movement is relaxed and rhythmic.

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