To Bell the Cat Meaning, Examples, Synonyms

The meaning of the idiom to bell the cat is to undertake or be in-charge of a dangerous or risky task which is for the betterment of the community. This idiomatic expression is used to express the courage and power of any person involved in a dangerous task. A person who is brave enough to take the lead and takes a difficult path to accomplish the critical task and one who is doing such a task for the community is referred to by this phrase. 

Also read: Keep an Eye on Meaning, Examples and Synonyms 

Usage with Examples

This idiom evolved from the fable “ The Mice in Council.” in this a mice lead the council to generate a solution for the troublesome cat who is preying on all the mice. The mice got an idea to tie a bell around the cat’s neck so that its arrival is indicated by the bell. But no mice were ready to carry out the plan although it was good for the entire mice community. 

Thus, this idiom signifies courage, sacrifice, and ability of someone to take a bold decision and carry out the dangerous action.

Mentioned below are some of the examples of this idiom:

• No one in the sales department was ready to bell the cat as the target was impossible to achieve in such a short time.
• Tom volunteered to bell the cat and organized the international corporate meet in Dubai.

Also read: Useful idioms with Examples, Sentences and Meaning

Synonyms and Similar Words to To Bell the Cat

Mentioned below are the synonyms and relatable words to this idiom: 

• Bite the bullet
• Do a dangerous task
• Tackle a risky situation
• Face a precarious mission
• Tackle the beast
• Dare to do something deadly

To Bell the Cat Meaning Quiz

Which task was planned in the fable ‘the mice in council’?

1. Face the music
2. Eat the cheese
3. Take the bull by the horns
4. To bell the cat

Ans: d. To bell the cat.

This was all about the idiom ‘to bell the cat’ meaning and examples. Hope you understood the concept where it’s used. For more such blogs, follow Leverage Edu.