Cat got your tongue?

Meaning

A question addressed to someone who is inexplicably silent. The implication is that the person’s tongue is missing.

Examples

All you have to do is tell us who attacked you and we will arrest them. Why so quiet? Has the cat got your tongue?

Where did it originate?

America, 19th century.

Where is it used?

Worldwide, but little used amongst the young.

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About the Author

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Cat got your tongue?