Word: Cheshire Cat
Definition:
The "Cheshire Cat" is a fictional cat from the book "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll. This cat is famous for having a wide, fixed smile that often remains even after the rest of its body has disappeared.
Usage Instructions:
- The term "Cheshire Cat" can be used to describe someone who has a big, mischievous smile, or to refer to something that seems to appear and disappear, like the cat itself.
Example Sentence:
"When she heard the joke, she smiled like a Cheshire Cat, her grin stretching from ear to ear."
Advanced Usage:
In literature or conversation, you might use "Cheshire Cat" metaphorically to describe situations or people that seem elusive or mysterious. For example, you could say, "The company's plans were like the Cheshire Cat, always changing and hard to pin down."
Word Variants:
- "Cheshire" can refer to things related to the county of Cheshire in England, but in this context, it specifically refers to the cat from the story. - "Cheshire grin" is another phrase often used to describe a broad, toothy smile.
Different Meaning:
While "Cheshire Cat" primarily refers to the character from the book, it can also symbolize someone who is being secretive or playing tricks, much like the cat that appears and disappears at will.
Synonyms:
- Grinning cat - Mischievous grinner
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "Cheshire Cat," but you might encounter phrases like "grinning like a Cheshire cat," which means to smile widely or mischievously.
Summary:
The Cheshire Cat is a whimsical character known for its enigmatic smile.