laɪk ə kæt ɒn ə hɒt tɪn ruːf
Animals
informal
intermediate
- Literally:
- Behaving like a cat standing on a hot metal roof
What does "like a cat on a hot tin roof" mean?
- Extremely nervous, restless, or agitated
- Unable to sit still or relax
Examples
- She was like a cat on a hot tin roof before the interview.
- He's been like a cat on a hot tin roof all week.
- Waiting for the results had me like a cat on a hot tin roof.
Origin
Made famous by Tennessee Williams' 1955 play of the same name. The image of a cat on scorching metal, unable to rest.
How to use it
Describes extreme nervousness or inability to relax. Very visual expression.
Similar expressions
jumpy
nervous
on edge
restless
Opposites
calm
relaxed
composed
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 "like a cat on a hot tin roof" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.