Do I want a raise? Is a bear Catholic?
is a bear Catholic
idiomObviously! Rhetorical question in response to a question where the answer is an emphatic yes.
Origin
disputed originA combination of the two rhetorical questions is the Pope Catholic? and does a bear shit in the woods?. Compare does the Pope shit in the woods?.
When my friend asked if I was excited about the vacation, I laughed and said, 'Is a bear Catholic?'
When the journalist asked if the politician intended to honor his campaign promises, the candidate replied with a smirk, 'Is a bear Catholic?'
- 01
average bear
The norm; an average person; Used in comparisons
- 02
bad news bears
Said of someone or something that will bring disaster or bad fortune to one.
- 03
bear a hand
To make haste; to help quickly.
- 04
bear away the bell
To be superior in something.
- 05
bear fruit
To produce good results; to yield benefits; to succeed.
- 06
bear in mind
To hold (something) in the memory; to remember; also, to be mindful of or pay attention to (something); to consider; to note.
- 07
bear oneself
To behave and conduct oneself in a particular manner.
- 08
bear the brunt
To endure the worst part of something.
Last updated April 17, 2026