room to swing a cat
1 of 1phrase/ˈrum tə ˈswɪŋ ə ˈkæt/
1
a small or confined room with very limited space for movement
The origin of the idiom "room to swing a cat" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated from the practice of sailors on ships who would use the cat o' nine tails (a type of whip) for punishment. Due to the limited space on board, the expression developed to describe a confined or cramped space where it would be difficult to swing such an instrument fully. Over time, it has evolved to be used figuratively to describe a small or restricted area.
- The studio apartment was so small that there was hardly enough room to swing a cat.
- The crowded subway during rush hour leaves little room to swing a cat, let alone find a seat.
- The tiny conference room provided very little room to swing a cat, making the meeting feel cramped.
- The hotel bathroom was so cramped that there was barely enough room to swing a cat in it.
- In the crowded marketplace, there was barely any room to swing a cat as people jostled past each other.