A cat has nine lives.
A cat has nine lives.
Meaning in plain English
The saying gives a cat nine lives. It exaggerates survival or repeated chances through an impossible-sounding count.
Example
A storyteller uses the expression for a fortunate escape without predicting another one.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
Nine makes resilience vivid rather than documenting a biological quantity. A useful application can describe an escape or another opportunity without assuming safety. The phrase does not justify exposing an animal or person to danger or guarantee that another chance remains.
When to use it
Use it to explain an exaggerated survival image.
Keep in mind
Nine lives is figurative and does not make exposure to danger safe.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- Contributor-provided proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 256; PDF page 40
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Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
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