cat in the pan

idiom

The phrase "cat in the pan" has historical roots and is rarely used in modern English. It can have several interpretations, often related to betrayal or reversal.

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Definition

C2General

(idiomatic, archaic)A person who betrays or changes loyalties for personal advantage.

Example

He turned cat in the pan when he joined the rival company for a higher salary.

C2General

(idiomatic, archaic)A reversal of a situation or position.

Example

The debate took a surprising turn, like a cat in the pan, when the opposition leader supported the proposal.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "cat in the pan":

cat around cat meat black cat dead cat great cat fat cat house cat whip the cat cool cat cat that ate the canary cat squirrel cat's meow big cat hunting cat cat and mouse