Fun Facts Friday - Cat Inspired Phrases
Fun Facts Friday - Cat Inspired Phrases
At Mums NI, we believe that education starts at home. We, as parents, are our children's Primary Educators. Together, we can inspire young minds and make learning fun!
In this Fun Facts Friday, we are looking at how the use of the word "cat" became part of our everyday language used in popular phrases. So get your little ones and snuggle down for this feline cat chat.
Why the use of cat? What do the sayings mean?
Lets find out . . .
Fact 1
The love of cats can be traced back to the Ancient Egyptian times, where cats were held in the highest esteem. They even worshipped a goddess called Bastet, who was half cat and half human and represented protection, fertility and motherhood.
In the Ancient Egyptian times, cats quite often killed poisonous snakes and which made them known for their protection skills. Cats were so much loved at that time that when they died, they were mummified! If you take a trip to the Ulster Museum in Belfast you will be able to see an example of this at the Takabuti exhibit.
Fact 2
Saying: Let the cat of out the bag
Meaning: To expose/reveal a secret by mistake
Fact 3
Saying: raining cats and dogs
Meaning: it is raining extremely heavy rainfall
Fact 4
Saying: The cat's pyjamas
Meaning: something that is brilliant
Fact 5
Saying: cat got your tongue
Meaning: to be speechless or have no reply
Fact 6
Saying: when the cat's away, the mice will play
Meaning: when the person in charge is away, everyone else can do what they wish
Fact 7
Saying: not enough room to swing a cat
Meaning: there is very little space in a room/cupboard/tent etc
Fact 8
Saying: put the cat among the pigeons
Meaning: doing or saying something that causes trouble
Fact 9
Saying: curiosity killed the cat
Meaning: being too intrusive on other peoples business might get you into trouble (being nosy)
Fact 10
Saying: enough to make a cat laugh
Meaning: something which is very amusing/funny/witty
Competition:
Get your child to make a cat picture and share it with us. They might just win a little prize.
