Cat-and-mouse game

Meaning

A constantly shifting contest of cunning.

Usage

Used for tactical interactions.

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.

Based on predator-prey behavior.

Spy novels popularized the metaphor in the 20th century.