When we say, “Cat got your tongue,” it’s a fun and cheeky way to ask someone why they’re not speaking or responding. It’s similar to asking, “Why are you silent?” or “Why aren’t you saying anything?”
Here are two examples in sentences:
Example 1:
When Lucy didn’t respond to her mom’s question about where she’d been, her mom teased, “What’s the matter, cat got your tongue?”
Example 2:
During the team meeting, when Tom didn’t contribute any ideas like he usually did, his colleague asked, “Tom, cat got your tongue?”
Now, let’s see two examples in a conversation:
Example 3:
Emma: Mike, you’re unusually quiet today. Cat got your tongue?
Mike: Sorry, Emma, I’m just a little distracted by something.
Example 4:
Sarah: Lisa, why aren’t you defending your point of view? Cat got your tongue?
Lisa: No, Sarah, I’m just listening and taking in everyone’s perspectives.
So, “cat got your tongue” is a playful phrase used when someone is unusually quiet, not responding, or hesitating to speak. It’s a casual expression, and is mostly used in informal situations.
