catbird seat

English - Turkish

Definition of catbird seat in English Turkish dictionary

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English - English

Definition of catbird seat in English English dictionary

Expression used to describe an enviable position, often one of great advantage

advantageous situation, position of great advantage; situation that gives a person power over others

If you say that someone is in the catbird seat, you think that their situation is very good. If he had not been hurt, his team would be sitting in the catbird seat. A position of power or prominence. be (sitting) in the catbird seat to be in a position where you have an advantage

Related Terms

catbird seats

plural form of catbird seat

sit in the catbird seat

be in an enviable or desirable position

Hyphenation

cat·bird seat

Turkish pronunciation

kätbırd sit

Synonyms

commanding position, complete control, controlling position, enviable position, high perch, high place, lofty perch, position of influence, position of power, power position, seat of power, throne

Pronunciation

/ˈkatˌbərd ˈsēt/ /ˈkætˌbɜrd ˈsiːt/

Etymology

() The expression may originate in regards to the gray catbird (Dumetella carolinensis), as it was in use in the 19th century in the southern United States. It was featured in the 1942 short story "The Catbird Seat" by James Thurber, and popularized by baseball commentator Red Barber, and often referred to baseball. The expression according to James Thurber comes from the observation of the catbird (an Australian bird) of the family ptilonorhynchidae. Some of the male birds will assemble several hundred colored rocks or shells, arranging them in a remarkable artistic display, in order to build a "seat" atop which his mate will eventually be enthroned.