cat in the meal-tub: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘cat in the meal-tub’ mean?
The idiom "cat in the meal-tub" means a hidden or unexpected problem or complication that arises suddenly and disrupts a situation or plan.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "everything and the kitchen sink" means including every possible thing or item, often used to describe a situation or a collection that is excessive or overloaded.
The idiom "elephant in the room" refers to a problem or issue that everyone is aware of, but no one wants to discuss or acknowledge openly.
The idiom "drop in the sea" means a very small or insignificant amount in comparison to a larger whole.
The idiom "drop in the pond" means a small, insignificant action or event that has a minimal impact or influence on a larger situation or problem.
The idiom "drop in the ocean" means a very small and insignificant amount compared to the overall need or problem.
The idiom "dog that caught the car" refers to someone who has achieved a goal but is uncertain about what to do next or ill-prepared to handle the situation. It emphasizes the feeling of being overwhelmed or unprepared for the consequences of one's actions.
The idiom "dog my cats" means that someone is surprised or shocked by something. It is often used to express disbelief or astonishment.
The idiom "devil is in the details" means that hidden problems or issues may arise when paying attention to small or overlooked aspects of a task or situation.
Unveiling Feline Intruder
The idiom "cat in the meal-tub" is not widely used today, but it does have an interesting history. It is believed to be related to a few other idioms, such as "look what the cat's dragged in," "cat in the sack," and "cat's cradle." Let's take a closer look at these idioms and see how they connect to the concept of a cat in a meal-tub.
"Look what the cat's dragged in" is a phrase used to express surprise or disdain when someone or something unexpected arrives. It implies that the person or thing in question is unwelcome or brings trouble along with them. This idiom is similar to the concept of finding a cat in your meal-tub, as it signifies an unexpected and unwanted surprise.
The idiom "cat in the sack" refers to a situation where someone is buying or accepting something without fully understanding or examining it first. It suggests that the person is taking a gamble or risking disappointment by not knowing what they're getting into. Just like finding a cat in a meal-tub, discovering the contents of a sack to be a cat instead of the expected item can be quite a shock.
Lastly, we have "cat's cradle," which is a game played with a looped string. This idiom is used to describe a complex or confusing situation with many interconnected factors. Just as a cat exploring the inside of a meal-tub would create a tangled mess, a complex situation can leave us feeling puzzled and unsure of how to proceed.
While the specific origins of the idiom "cat in the meal-tub" are unclear, we can see that it shares common themes with these related idioms. The presence of a cat in unexpected places, whether it's a meal-tub, a sack, or a tangle of string, represents surprise, confusion, and the potential for trouble. These idioms serve as reminders to always expect the unexpected and be prepared for whatever comes our way.
"cat in the meal-tub" may not be a well-known idiom, but its connection to other idioms such as "look what the cat's dragged in," "cat in the sack," and "cat's cradle" gives us some insight into its meaning. By examining these related idioms, we can see that a cat in unexpected places represents surprise, risk, and confusion. So next time you encounter something unexpected, remember the cat in the meal-tub and be prepared for whatever surprises may come your way.
Example usage
"Cat in the meal-tub" is an idiom that means to have someone or something unwelcome or unexpected in a situation or place. Here are three examples of how this idiom can be used in a sentence:
- When I arrived at the party, I realized my ex-boyfriend was there. It was like a cat in the meal-tub, completely unexpected and unwelcome.
- During our vacation, we had a nice time exploring the small town until the rainy weather arrived. It was like a cat in the meal-tub, ruining our plans unexpectedly.
- The meeting was going smoothly until my boss's assistant burst in with urgent news. It was like a cat in the meal-tub, disrupting the flow of the discussion.
In each of these examples, the idiom "cat in the meal-tub" is used to describe an unexpected and unwelcome presence or event.
More "Food" idioms
