Here's a breakdown:
* Origin: The origin of the idiom is unclear but is likely related to the idea of a cat snatching a person's tongue, preventing them from speaking.
* Meaning: It's a playful or sarcastic way of suggesting that someone is being quiet or hesitant to talk, especially when they are expected to respond or have something to say.
* Usage: You might use this idiom when someone is:
* Shy or nervous
* Hesitating to answer a question
* Avoiding a conversation
* Being deliberately silent
Examples:
* "Why are you so quiet? Did the cat get your tongue?"
* "Come on, tell us what you think! Don't let the cat get your tongue."
* "I asked him what he thought about the movie, but he just stared at me like the cat got his tongue."