see how the cat jumps —(also: see which way the cat jumps) see what direction events are taking:
- Had I time, I believe I would come to London merely to see how the cat jumped.
that cat won’t jump—(also: that cock won’t fight) that argument is doubtful; that idea isn’t going to work:
- “They talk of suicide here,” he said at last. “That cat won’t jump.”
Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase dead-cat bounce—a slight economic recovery after decline, followed in fast order by a second decline:
- This was a dead cat bounce, but a bounce none the less, and Australian policy makers were able to bask in the sun.