bel ðə kæt
- Literally:
- To put a bell on a cat
What does "bell the cat" mean?
- To take on a dangerous or impossible task that others are afraid to do
- To attempt something risky for the benefit of others
Examples
- Everyone agreed the boss should be told, but who would bell the cat?
- It's a great plan, but someone needs to bell the cat.
- She volunteered to bell the cat and speak to management.
Origin
From Aesop's fable where mice decide to put a bell on the cat so they can hear it coming. When asked who will do it, no mouse volunteers. The moral is that ideas are easy but execution is difficult.
How to use it
Often used in group situations where everyone agrees something should be done but nobody wants to do it. Less common than other idioms.
Similar expressions
Opposites
Related idioms
- kill two birds with one stone
To accomplish two goals with a single action
- let the cat out of the bag
To reveal a secret accidentally
- elephant in the room
An obvious problem or issue that everyone is aware of but no one wants to discuss
- don't count your chickens before they hatch
Don't assume success before it actually happens
- hold your horses
To wait and be patient
- fish out of water
Someone who feels awkward or uncomfortable in a particular situation
Use it in a practice answer
Try "bell the cat" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.