Francophonie· hard
à bon chat, bon rat
“to a good cat, a good rat”
Meaning
Two opponents are equally matched
Explanation
This proverb describes two well-matched adversaries who push each other to improve their skills. The English equivalent is 'to meet one's match'.
Example
Ces deux joueurs de tennis sont incroyables, c'est vraiment à bon chat, bon rat !
These two tennis players are incredible, they're really evenly matched!
Origin
In use since the 17th century. A good cat makes for a resourceful rat, the better the hunter, the craftier the prey has to be.
Source
More like this
- se regarder en chiens de faïenceto regard each other with hostility
- faire les quatre cents coupsTo raise hell
- ne pas y aller de main morteTo act very forcefully, without holding back
- appeler un chat un chatto speak plainly and directly
- avaler des couleuvresTo put up with insults without complaining
- avoir d'autres chats à fouetterto have more important things to do