bell the cat

phrase

: to do a daring or risky deed

Word History

First Known Use

1791, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of bell the cat was in 1791

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Browse Nearby Words

belltail

bell the cat

bell toad

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Bell the cat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bell%20the%20cat. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

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