| ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ adjective
1. : consisting of constant torment prior to destruction or defeat
the cat-and-mouse technique of handling an opponent
2. : consisting of constant pursuit, near captures, and repeated escapes
a … cat-and-mouse kind of thriller with the hunter and the hunted occasionally switching roles — Martin Levin
3. : consisting of watchful waiting for the best opportunity to attack or strike an opponent
a cat-and-mouse mood