The term 'BELLED THE CAT' is a phrase that originates from an Aesop's Fable. In the story, a group of mice are trying to figure out how to get rid of a cat that is terrorizing them. One mouse suggests that they tie a bell around the cat's neck so that they can hear it coming and have time to hide. The other mice agree, but then no one volunteers to be the one to actually put the bell on the cat. The solution to this dilemma is found in the crossword solution DARED, which means to have the courage to do something despite the risks. Therefore, the phrase BELLED THE CAT can be interpreted as having the courage to take action despite the risks.