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play the cat and banjo with

idiom
Meaning

Synonym of play the devil with.


Examples
SIMPLE

The heavy rain played the cat and banjo with our garden plans.

CONTEXTUAL

The sudden computer virus played the cat and banjo with all the files I saved for my final presentation.

COMPLEX

The unexpected economic downturn played the cat and banjo with the company's long-term strategy, forcing the board to abandon their expansion goals entirely.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bell the cat

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

  2. 02

    cat and dog life

    An unhappy married life marked by arguments and disagreements.

  3. 03

    cat got someone's tongue

    Why is someone not saying anything?

  4. 04

    cat in the meal-tub

    Something concealed; a hidden danger.

  5. 05

    cat piss

    Any beverage of low quality.

  6. 06

    cat that ate the canary

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

  7. 07

    cat's cradle

    Any complicated structure that appears to be without purpose.

  8. 08

    cat's meow

    A self-satisfied person.

Last updated April 17, 2026