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bell the cat. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
bell the cat, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
bell the cat in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
bell the cat you have here. The definition of the word
bell the cat will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
bell the cat, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
From a medieval fable in which mice agree that a bell should be put round a cat's neck so they will always be warned of its arrival, but cannot agree who should undertake the dangerous task.
Pronunciation
Verb
bell the cat (third-person singular simple present bells the cat, present participle belling the cat, simple past and past participle belled the cat)
- (idiomatic) To undertake a dangerous action in the service of a group.
Translations
to undertake a dangerous action in the service of a group
See also