English Explanatory Dictionary

bell the cat

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To undertake a dangerous action in the service of a group.

Pronunciation

en-au-bell the cat.ogg

Word forms

bell the cat bells the cat belling the cat belled the cat

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.

Related words

take one for the team step into the breach fall on a grenade
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