Cat out of the bag

Posted by Edward on May 31, 2005

Cat out of the bag - I was told this has a nautical derivation, closely linked to 'no room to swing a cat'. Both terms referring to the cat of nine tails, rather than an actual moggy. Apparently the 'cat' in question was kept in a muslin bag and you were obviously in serious trouble if the cat came out of the bag.

It all sounds very plausible, especially with other popular English sayings having a nautical derivation, such as square meal etc. - but is it fact?

Cat out of the bag Gary 31/May/05
- Cat out of the bag Victoria S Dennis 31/May/05
  - Cat out of the bag al 01/June/05
    - Cat out of the bag David FG 01/June/05
      - Cat out of the bag James Briggs 02/June/05
        
        Cat out of the bag vette_racer 03/June/05
        
        Cat out of the bag Victoria S Dennis 03/June/05
        
        Cat out of the bag Gary 04/June/05
        
        Cat out of the bag David FG 04/June/05
        
        Cat out of the bag Gary 06/June/05
        
        Emptor Caveat Lewis 10/June/05