Number 3 is so wrong it is laughable, it actually comes from the navy and the cat is the whip they used on miscreants. Because of this, the rest of the list becomes suspect.
Number 9 too. Centuries ago if you didn't have anywhere to sleep you paid a penny to hang your arms over a rope and sleep stood up, so the rats didn't gnaw away at you. To sleep tight meant to ensure the rope was tight otherwise you'd end up flat on your face.
Number 1 didn't exactly start well? The phrase in mind for their explanation is IMHO better matched to the term; "don't look a gift-horse in the mouth"
In the 1700s, people would sell pigs in bags. Sometimes, people would replace a couple pigs with some cats in order to scam buyers. When a cat was let out of the bag, you’ve been caught.
Number 3 is so wrong it is laughable, it actually comes from the navy and the cat is the whip they used on miscreants. Because of this, the rest of the list becomes suspect.
Number 9 too. Centuries ago if you didn't have anywhere to sleep you paid a penny to hang your arms over a rope and sleep stood up, so the rats didn't gnaw away at you. To sleep tight meant to ensure the rope was tight otherwise you'd end up flat on your face.
Number 1 didn't exactly start well? The phrase in mind for their explanation is IMHO better matched to the term; "don't look a gift-horse in the mouth"
Selling cats instead of pigs was a common practise. I don't know if your explanation is true but it is wrong to dismiss another.
..and I'm sure you've heard the old saying; A cat in the hand is worth two in a bag?
Isn’t that similar to being hungover- where you would sleep hungover a rope?