English Idiom – (Has the) Cat got your tongue?
What Does “Cat Got Your Tongue?” Mean?
Meaning — this expression is said to someone who has nothing to say. If you are annoyed with someone because they are not speaking, you might ask them “Has the cat got your tongue?“
This idiom can be said to someone who is refusing to answer a question, or someone who has no response to an accusation of some sort. This idiomatic expression is commonly said to children by adults (parents or teachers).
The words in this idiom give the listener an image of a cat running away with somebody’s tongue. In a situation like this, it would be very difficult to say anything!
The Internet generation has cleverly adapted this idiom. If someone does not reply to a text message or typed chat message, you can ask them “Has the cat got your thumbs?”
What’s the matter? is another way to ask what’s the problem?
Where Does This Idiom Come From?
Its exact origin is debated, and the history is a little darker than you might expect. One theory links it to the English Navy’s “cat o’ nine tails” whip, once used for punishment aboard ships — the pain reportedly left sailors too shocked to speak. Another old belief held that liars’ tongues would be fed to cats. Neither theory is confirmed as the true origin, but the phrase has been in common use since at least the 19th century. Read more at History.com.
More Idioms With Tongues
- Bite your tongue — to stop yourself from saying something that might be rude or hurtful.
- Forked tongue — this idiom suggests that someone is insincere or dishonest in their speech. It’s often used to describe a person who says one thing but means another.
- Loose tongue — refers to a person who talks too much or divulges secrets or sensitive information without restraint.
- On the tip of your tongue — when something is “on the tip of your tongue,” it means you know the word or information but can’t quite recall it at the moment. It’s a common expression when you’re struggling to remember something.
- Silver tongue — someone with a “silver tongue” has a smooth and persuasive way of speaking. It’s often used to compliment someone’s ability to convince or charm others with their words.
- Slip of the tongue — this refers to an unintentional or accidental mistake in speech, such as saying something you didn’t mean to say.
Example
- “Did you eat all of the cookies?”
- “…..”
- “What’s the matter? Has the cat got your tongue?“
What is an idiom?
An idiom is a word or phrase that is not taken literally. An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood from the meanings of its individual words, but has a separate meaning of its own.
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Frequently Asked Questions
It’s said to someone who has nothing to say — often when you’re annoyed that someone isn’t answering a question or responding to something.
Its exact origin is debated. One popular (if grim) theory links it to the English Navy’s “cat o’ nine tails” whip, whose punishment left sailors too frightened to speak; another traces it to an old belief about liars having their tongues fed to cats. No single theory is confirmed, but the phrase has been in common use since at least the 19th century.
Yes — the internet generation has adapted it: if someone doesn’t reply to a text or chat message, you can jokingly ask, “Has the cat got your thumbs?”
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