cat and mouse noun
[noncount] : behavior that is like the way a cat chases a mouse or plays with a mouse before killing it — used especially to describe a situation in which someone says or does different things to deceive or control other people, to avoid being caught, etc. — usually used with play ▪ The governor has been playing (a game of) cat and mouse with the media, refusing to say definitely whether he will run for reelection. ▪ The thieves played cat and mouse with the police for several days before they were caught.
— cat–and–mouse adjective
▪ a cat-and-mouse routine
▪ a cat-and-mouse routine
