Cat's-paw for Dummies
noun
pronunciation: 'kats,pɔWhat does Cat's-paw really mean?
Alright, so "cat's-paw" is a bit of a funny word, but let me break it down for you. You know how sometimes animals use their paws to pick things up or grab stuff? Well, "cat's-paw" is kind of like that, but it's not really about a cat's actual paw.
The word "cat's-paw" actually comes from a story about a clever little monkey who used a cat's paw to scoop up chestnuts from a fire without burning himself. So, in a way, it's like using someone or something else to do a tricky or dangerous task for you, without getting in trouble yourself.
Another meaning of "cat's-paw" is when someone is used by another person to do their dirty work or to take the blame for something. It's like being the scapegoat, someone who takes the fall for someone else's actions.
So, when you hear "cat's-paw," think of a sneaky plan or using someone else to do the hard work for you. It's like when you ask your older sibling to go get you a snack from the kitchen, so you don't have to do it yourself. And if they end up getting in trouble for it, well, that's their problem, not yours. But we should always try to be honest and fair, right? So, remember, even though "cat's-paw" might sound kind of cool, it's not always the best way to do things.
I hope that made sense! Let me know if you have any more questions about it.
The word "cat's-paw" actually comes from a story about a clever little monkey who used a cat's paw to scoop up chestnuts from a fire without burning himself. So, in a way, it's like using someone or something else to do a tricky or dangerous task for you, without getting in trouble yourself.
Another meaning of "cat's-paw" is when someone is used by another person to do their dirty work or to take the blame for something. It's like being the scapegoat, someone who takes the fall for someone else's actions.
So, when you hear "cat's-paw," think of a sneaky plan or using someone else to do the hard work for you. It's like when you ask your older sibling to go get you a snack from the kitchen, so you don't have to do it yourself. And if they end up getting in trouble for it, well, that's their problem, not yours. But we should always try to be honest and fair, right? So, remember, even though "cat's-paw" might sound kind of cool, it's not always the best way to do things.
I hope that made sense! Let me know if you have any more questions about it.
Revised and Fact checked by Daniel Clark on 2023-11-13 20:26:24
Cat's-paw In a sentece
Learn how to use Cat's-paw inside a sentece
- The older kids used the young boy as a cat's-paw to steal candy from the store.
- Don't let them make you a cat's-paw in their scheme to cheat on the test.
- She felt like a cat's-paw when her friends convinced her to do their chores for them.
- He didn't want to be a cat's-paw in their plan to prank the teacher.
- The bully used the smaller kids as cat's-paws to do his dirty work.
Cat's-paw Synonyms
Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.
Cat's-paw Hypernyms
Words that are more generic than the original word.