cat and mouse

noun

: behavior like that of a cat with a mouse: such as
a
: the act of toying with or tormenting something before destroying it
b
: a contrived action involving constant pursuit, near captures, and repeated escapes
played a game of cat and mouse with the police
broadly : an evasive action

Examples of cat and mouse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There’s a constant game of cat and mouse with Google, Samsung and other OEMs — as well as Apple — to stay ahead, or rather not too far behind. Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025 That plan adds tension to the relatively flimsy stakes of the film, turning a straightforward escape plot into a more gripping game of cat and mouse. Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 2025 She gets bombarded with anonymous threatening messages during the posh date, making for a game of cat and mouse in a Chicago restaurant. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025 Trapped in a deadly game of cat and mouse, blurring the lines between justice and revenge, Cecilie battles to discover the identity of Lazarus as her colleagues come ever closer to uncovering her. John Hopewell, Variety, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cat and mouse

Word History

First Known Use

1675, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cat and mouse was in 1675

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Cite this Entry

“Cat and mouse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cat%20and%20mouse. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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