cat on a hot tin roof

The phrase "cat on a hot tin roof" is a metaphorical expression, often used to describe someone who is in a highly anxious, agitated, or uncomfortable state. It refers to the feeling of a cat walking on a roof made of hot tin, implying restlessness, tension, or uneasiness. The phrase became popularized through Tennessee Williams' play titled "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," where it also symbolizes the underlying secrets, lies, and simmering emotions within a dysfunctional family.