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Region: General | Usage example: It took courage to bell the cat and speak up.

Bell the cat

Meaning

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

Usage

Used to praise risk-taking leadership.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

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

Old fable used in medieval moral lessons.

Related Idioms

Ring the bell

Achieve success or make a notable impact.

Ring a bell

Sound familiar.

Saved by the bell

Rescued at the last moment.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.