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Cat in the Sack

What Does "Cat in the Sack" Mean?

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"Cat in the sack" is an English idiom. It means "to buy something without examining it first."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "cat in the sack" used in a sentence:
  • Never buy a car without testing it; you don't want to buy a cat in the sack.
  • He sold me this old laptop like a cat in the sack.
  • Buying online can sometimes feel like getting a cat in the sack.
meaning for cat in the sack

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Cat in the Sack" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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