cat and mouse noun
Learner's definition of CAT AND MOUSE
[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.猫戏老鼠的把戏（尤用于指某人为不被抓到而采取的蒙骗或控制他人的行动）—
usually used with play通常与play连用 -
The governor has been playing (a game of) cat and mouse with the media, refusing to say definitely whether he will run for reelection.州长一直与媒体玩猫戏老鼠的把戏，不愿明确表态他是否将竞选连任。
-
The thieves played cat and mouse with the police for several days before they were caught.几个盗贼在被捕之前与警方周旋了几天。
— cat-and-mouse
adjective