whip the cat
Meaning
To reproach oneself; to regret something bitterly.
Example
No use whipping the cat now — the money's gone.
Origin
Origin unknown
Nearby words
- wheatbeltThe broad inland farming region where wheat and other grains are the main crops, especially in Western…
- where the crow flies backwardsA very remote place; the back of beyond.
- whingeTo complain persistently, especially in a whining way. Also a noun, as in 'having a whinge'.
- whingeing Pom derogatoryAn English person regarded as constantly complaining, especially about Australia.
- whipbirdAn eastern Australian bird of forest and thick scrub whose call ends in a sharp crack like a stockwhip…
- whipper snipperA motorised garden tool with a spinning nylon cord for trimming grass and weeds along edges; a string trimmer.
- whipsLots; plenty, as in 'whips of time'.
- white-antTo undermine a person, plan or organisation from within, especially secretly.