wildcat
Forest-dwelling small predator
A wildcat is any of several small to medium-sized wild felines, distinct from domesticated cats.
The word extends to describe anything untamed, risky, or operating outside normal channels: a wildcat strike happens without union authorization, wildcat drilling explores unproven territory for oil, and a wildcat scheme is reckless or unsanctioned.
As a verb, to wildcat means to drill speculatively for oil or gas in areas not known to be productive.
Of or like cats
- lynxTufted-eared wild feline
- cougarLarge American wildcat
- pumaAmerican wild cat
- ocelotSmall spotted American wildcat
caracal · serval · jaguarundi · margay · predator · nocturnal · carnivore · stealthy
Based on conjecture
- riskyInvolving possible harm
- gambleStake on uncertain outcome
- high-stakesInvolving significant consequences
- volatileLiable to sudden change
unpredictable · entrepreneurial · unregulated · unauthorized · maverick · rogue · unsanctioned · freelance
Natural underground hydrocarbon liquid
- explorationTraveling through unknown regions
- oilfieldUnderground hydrocarbon reserve area
- prospectingSearching for mineral wealth
- rigEquipment arrangement or vehicle
borehole · derrick · seismic · reservoir · lease · speculative · gusher · drillship
Not officially permitted
- walkoutProtest by leaving
- unionJoining into one
- laborStrenuous effort; also childbirth
- picketingOrganized protest outside workplace
workforce · protest · solidarity · industrial · collective · bargaining · grievance · shutdown
feline
Of or like cats
ocelot · caracal · serval · jaguarundi · margay · predator · nocturnal · carnivore · stealthy · whiskers
speculative
Based on conjecture
- riskyInvolving possible harm
- gambleStake on uncertain outcome
- high-stakesInvolving significant consequences
volatile · unpredictable · entrepreneurial · unregulated · unauthorized · maverick · rogue · unsanctioned · freelance · independent
petroleum
Natural underground hydrocarbon liquid
- explorationTraveling through unknown regions
- oilfieldUnderground hydrocarbon reserve area
- prospectingSearching for mineral wealth
rig · borehole · derrick · seismic · reservoir · lease · speculative · gusher · drillship · offshore
unauthorized
Not officially permitted
picketing · workforce · protest · solidarity · industrial · collective · bargaining · grievance · shutdown · blue-collar
Arizona
48th state admitted
- KentuckyBluegrass State
- VillanovaPennsylvania Catholic university
- NorthwesternEvanston-based private university
Davidson · team · university · college · athletics · logo · costume · spirit · stadium · varsity
wildcatauthorized
Given official permission
official · legitimate · legal · sanctioned · approved
wildcatproven
Established as fact
established · sure thing · safe bet · blue-chip · conservative
- wildcat strikeUnauthorized work stoppage
wildcats, wildcat strike, wildcatters, wildcatter, wildcatting, wildcatted