mouse-hole

A small mouse peeks out from a mouse-hole in the baseboard.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small hole in a wall, floor, or baseboard: "mouse-hole" refers to a small opening through which a mouse can enter or exit, typically found in buildings.
   • A narrow or cramped space (figurative): In extended use, "mouse-hole" can describe any very small, confined, or insignificant place, often implying discomfort or lack of importance.

Usage Examples

• Literal:

  • The landlord finally sealed the mouse-hole behind the kitchen cabinet. (The small hole where mice entered was closed off.)
  • A tiny mouse-hole in the corner of the room led to an infestation. (The small opening allowed mice to come inside.)

• Figurative:

  • His office was no more than a mouse-hole, barely large enough for a desk. (The office was very small and cramped.)
  • She felt trapped in that mouse-hole of a town, with nothing to do. (The town felt narrow and confining, like a tiny space.)

Advanced Usage

• "to live in a mouse-hole": to dwell in a very small, cramped, or humble space.

  • After losing his job, he had to live in a mouse-hole of an apartment. (He had to reside in a tiny, uncomfortable living space.)

• "to come out of a mouse-hole": to emerge from a hiding place or from obscurity.

  • The shy child finally came out of his mouse-hole and joined the game. (He stopped hiding and participated.)

Variants and Related Words

• Mousehole (n, alternative spelling): the same as "mouse-hole," often written as one word.

  • The cat sat watching the mousehole for hours. (The cat stared at the hole where mice might appear.)

• Mousy (adj): resembling a mouse in colour, size, or timid behaviour.

  • She had mousy brown hair and a quiet voice. (Her hair was the dull brown colour of a mouse.)

Synonyms

• Crevice: a narrow crack or opening in a surface.
• Nook: a small, secluded corner or recess.
• Cranny: a small, narrow space or hole.

Related Idioms

• A mouse-hole of a place: a very small, cramped, or insignificant location.

  • They lived in a mouse-hole of a cottage at the edge of the forest. (The cottage was tiny and humble.)

• To be as quiet as a mouse in a mouse-hole: to be extremely still and silent, often to avoid detection.

  • When the teacher entered, the students were as quiet as mice in a mouse-hole. (They were completely silent.)