every cat has its day

Definitions

• reassure someone
  To indicate that everyone will have a chance to be successful or receive recognition at some point in their lives

• warn someone
  To imply that even those who seem unimportant or insignificant will have their moment of importance or success

Examples of every cat has its day

• Sarah had been working tirelessly for months, putting in long hours at the office and sacrificing her personal life. Her hard work finally paid off when she was promoted to a senior position. It seemed like every cat had its day, and Sarah's day had finally come.

  This example illustrates how the idiom "every cat has its day" can be used to describe a situation where someone who has been working hard and putting in a lot of effort is finally rewarded for their efforts.

• For years, Rachel had struggled to get her small business off the ground. She faced numerous challenges and setbacks along the way, but she refused to give up. Eventually, her hard work paid off, and her business began to thrive. It was as if every cat had its day, as Rachel's business finally started to gain the recognition and success she had been working towards.

  This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe a situation where someone's efforts and hard work are eventually rewarded.

• Despite years of research and planning, the scientific community had been unable to make a major breakthrough in their field. It seemed as though every cat had its day, except for them. That is, until a team of young researchers came along and made a groundbreaking discovery. It was as if their day had finally come.

  This example highlights how the idiom can be used in a more figurative sense, to describe a situation where something unexpected happens, providing a stark contrast to a situation where nothing seems to be going right.

• Dylan had always been a quiet and unassuming person, working hard and keeping his head down. But one day, he found himself in the spotlight, being recognized for his talents and abilities. It was as if every cat had its day, and Dylan's day had finally come.

  This example demonstrates how the idiom can be used to describe a situation where someone who has been working hard but has gone unnoticed suddenly receives the recognition they deserve.

• Despite struggling for years, Sarah's hard work finally paid off as she was promoted to a senior position. It was her turn to bask in the limelight, and she was determined to make the most of it.

  This example demonstrates how the phrase is commonly used when highlighting someone or something's success or moment of glory following a prolonged period of hard work or struggle.

• It may have taken a while, but the underdog team's persistence and determination eventually paid off, as they emerged victorious in a major tournament.

  This example illustrates the use of the expression when describing the achievement of a team or organization that has had to overcome adversity to ultimately achieve success.

• For years, John had been working tirelessly towards his dream of starting his own business, and finally, he got the break he had been waiting for. It was his turn to experience the rewards of his labor.

  This example shows how the expression is employed when emphasizing the achievement of someone following a significant period of hard work or perseverance.

• After being overlooked for promotion time and again, Maria's exceptional work finally caught the attention of her superiors, and she was awarded the position she had been striving for. It was her moment in the spotlight, and she was going to make the most of it.

  This example demonstrates how the idiom is utilized when describing someone's recognition and elevation in their professional or personal affairs following a prolonged period of hard work and dedication.

Conclusion

The idiom "every cat has its day" carries both a reassuring and warning message. It assures individuals that everyone will have their moment of success or recognition in life, while also cautioning against underestimating the potential of seemingly unimportant or insignificant individuals. It emphasizes the idea that luck and opportunity can come to anyone, regardless of their current circumstances.

Origin of "every cat has its day"

The origin of the idiom "every cat has its day" can be traced back to ancient Roman times. In Latin, there was a saying "sibi bene peperit felis" which translates to "a cat has given birth to her kittens in a prosperous year." This phrase was used to convey the idea that even the most unlikely or unassuming individuals can experience good fortune.

Over time, the saying evolved into the English idiom "every cat has its day," maintaining the message of unexpected success or recognition. It has become a common expression used to remind individuals to never underestimate the potential for positive outcomes, even in the face of challenges or adversity.