Bell the cat

Meaning

Take on a risky task for the group's benefit.

Usage

Used to praise risk-taking leadership.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Aesop's fable about mice needing to bell the cat.

Old fable used in medieval moral lessons.