feed the kitty

1. Contribute money to a pool or reserve, as in I can't make a big donation this year, but I'm willing to feed the kitty something. This term, originating in gambling, incorporates a pun, since kitty can mean “cat” as well as “pool.” [Late 1800s]

Example Sentences

“You gotta feed the kitty or whatever,” he jokes.

From Los Angeles Times

Last week it was the turn of the record companies to feed the kitty.

From Time Magazine Archive

Related Words

• award 
• bequeath 
• contribute 
• devote 
• give 
• give away 
• grant 
• hand out 
• present 
• provide