| Who is to bell the cat? Who will risk his own life to save his neighbours? Any one who encounters great personal hazard for the sake of others undertakes to �bell the cat.� The allusion is to the fable of the cunning old mouse, who suggested that they should hang a bell on the cat�s neck to give notice to all mice of her approach. �Excellent,� said a wise young mouse, �but who is to undertake the job?� E. Cobham Brewer 1810�1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable |
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