# cat in the meal-tub

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/cat-in-the-meal-tub
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Something concealed; a hidden danger.

## Examples

- There is a cat in the meal-tub regarding this contract.
- The deal seemed perfect, but he suspected a cat in the meal-tub after reading the fine print.
- Despite the politician's charming public persona, the investigative journalist sensed a cat in the meal-tub and began digging into the hidden financial records.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.