cat's cradle

cat's cradle

noun

Definition of CAT'S CRADLE

1

: a game in which a string looped in a pattern like a cradle on the fingers of one person's hands is transferred to the hands of another so as to form a different figure

2

: something that is intricate, complicated, or elaborate <a cat's cradle of red tape>

Examples of CAT'S CRADLE

1. a cat's cradle of government regulations

Illustration of CAT'S CRADLE

First Known Use of CAT'S CRADLE

1754