Tom and jerry
/tɑm ænd ˈdʒɛri/
B2
Definition
"Tom and Jerry" refers to a well-known animated cartoon showing a cat (Tom) and a mouse (Jerry) in a funny, never-ending chase. It also can mean two people who fight or argue a lot but have a close relationship, like friends or family who tease each other.
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See It in Action
The cartoon series with a cat and a mouse
- •I watched Tom and Jerry last night; it was so funny.
- •Tom and Jerry cartoons are popular with children all over the world.
- •The show has many episodes where Tom chases Jerry in clever ways.
Two people who argue or fight but have a close relationship
- •My brothers are like Tom and Jerry; they always argue but love each other.
- •They have a Tom and Jerry relationship, always teasing but never serious.
- •Even though they fight a lot, their friendship is strong like Tom and Jerry.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "Tom and Jerry" like "friends," but friends who often argue or play tricks on each other, not always peaceful
- ✓Picture a small mouse running fast and a big cat chasing it around a house or room, both very active and playful
- ✓It's the feeling when you and a close friend tease or argue but still care about each other deeply
- ✓Sounds like "Tom and Jerry" → imagine the names as two playful characters always in a funny chase or fight
- ✓Remember the cartoon on TV where Tom tries to catch Jerry but never succeeds, creating funny situations
- ✓NOT like "enemies" who hate each other seriously; "Tom and Jerry" fight but also care and stay connected
- ✓NOT like "friends" who never argue; "Tom and Jerry" have a playful, sometimes rough relationship
- ✓NOT like "team" working together smoothly; they often compete or oppose each other
Try Other Words
- •Cat and mouse: a situation where one person chases or tries to catch another (Use when focusing on the chase or conflict, not the cartoon)
- •Frenemies: friends who sometimes act like enemies (Use when the relationship is both friendly and competitive)
- •Playful rivals: people who compete but also enjoy the interaction (Use when emphasizing fun competition)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "Tom" (a common male name) + "and" (connects two words) + "Jerry" (a common male name)
- •Etymology: Names chosen for the cartoon characters in the 1940s, representing a cat and a mouse
- •Historical development: The cartoon started in 1940 as a series of short animated films about the cat and mouse chase
- •Modern usage: The phrase now also describes people who argue or tease each other but have a close bond, beyond just the cartoon
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a relationship in your life that feels like "Tom and Jerry"? Why?
•How does the playful fighting in "Tom and Jerry" differ from real arguments between people?
Fill in the blanks
1.Tom and Jerry cartoons show the cat always trying to ___ the mouse but never catching it.
2.When two friends act like Tom and Jerry, they often ___ or tease each other but still care.
3.Unlike serious enemies, Tom and Jerry have a ___ and playful relationship.
4.The phrase "Tom and Jerry" is used to describe people who argue but stay ___.
5.In the cartoon, Tom and Jerry create ___ situations with their chase and tricks.
6.When siblings fight like Tom and Jerry, it usually means their bond is ___.
7.The cat and mouse game in Tom and Jerry is a ___ chase, not a dangerous one.