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cat and mouse

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noun [uncountable] British English pronunciation: cat and mouse
  1. a situation in which you let someone else believe that they have managed to escape, before you actually catch them

    a game of cat and mouse

    play cat and mouse (with someone):

    Dora knew the detective was playing cat and mouse with her, waiting for his chance to trap her.

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This is the British English definition of cat and mouse. View American English definition of cat and mouse.

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