see which way the cat jumps
see which way the cat jumps
To wait to make a decision until one has more information about the outcome or about other people's plans or opinions. Primarily heard in Australia. Let's just see which way the cat jumps before we settle on a single option. Given the turbulent nature of this market, I think it would be prudent for us to see which way the cat jumps before we agree to invest in your company.
See also: cat, jump, see, way
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
see which way the cat jumps
mainly BRITISHIf you wait to see which way the cat jumps, you delay making a decision or taking action on something until you know how the situation will develop. I'm not going to do anything for a while — just sit tight and see which way the cat jumps. Note: This expression could be connected with the old game of `tip-cat', in which players waited to see which way a short piece of wood called the `cat' moved before hitting or `tipping' it.
See also: cat, jump, see, way
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
see which way the cat jumps
see what direction events are taking before committing yourself. 1990 Dennis Kavanagh Thatcherism She borrowed Kipling 's words: ‘I don't spend a lifetime watching which way the cat jumps. I know really which way I want the cat to go.’
See also: cat, jump, see, way
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- (one's) twopence (worth)
- (one's) tuppence (worth)
- (one's) two penn'orth
- quot homines tot sententiae
- tot
- (one's) two pennies (worth)
- do one's own thing, to
- answer on a postcard
- a peg on which to hang something
- a peg to hang (something) on