The expression "plays cat and mouse" is an idiomatic phrase used to describe a situation where one person or party engages in a series of tactics or strategies to manipulate, deceive, or outwit another person or group. This phrase draws its inspiration from the game of cat and mouse, wherein a cat tries to catch a mouse and the mouse tries to escape.
In a broader context, when someone "plays cat and mouse," they typically employ cunning, evasive, or unpredictable actions to keep their opponent off guard or to maintain control over a situation. This could involve intentionally providing misleading information, engaging in covert or stealthy maneuvers, or constantly changing tactics to frustrate or confuse the other party.
This phrase is often used in contexts such as negotiations, conflicts, or power struggles, where one party tries to gain the upper hand by leading the other party on or by engaging in calculated maneuvers to manipulate their actions or decisions. It suggests a dynamic of pursuit and evasion, with one party constantly trying to outsmart or outmaneuver the other, similar to how a cat chases and tries to capture a mouse, while the mouse cleverly avoids being caught.
Overall, when someone "plays cat and mouse," it denotes a strategic and often deceptive approach to gain an advantage or control over a situation, frequently involving a cycle of pursuit, evasion, and manipulation.
