The actual meaning of the phrase (To) bell the cat is to take a personal risk for doing something for the benefit of all concerned. There goes a story where some mice were much worried of a cat and wanted to tie a bell around its neck so that they could know its presence in advance and escape. Although everybody liked the idea but nobody was ready to take risk.
Sample Usage
1. The students felt that many of the questioins were out of sylabus, but nobody was ready to bell the cat, lest the teacher should punish him.
2. Everybody is fed-up with the tight work schedule in the office. They want to get rid of it, but the question is who will bell the cat?
3. The entire staff wanted to humble the arrogant officer but nobody was ready to bell the cat.
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