When the cat’s away the mice will play

usgb
proverb

People will take advantage of the lack of supervision to break the rules.

As soon as the teacher stepped out of the classroom, the students started talking loudly. It's true what they say: when the cat's away, the mice will play.
Visual representation of "when the cat’s away the mice will play" - People will take advantage of the lack of supervision to break the rules.

Often appears as...

  • teacher stepped out
  • boss is on vacation

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "when the cat’s away the mice will play"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphorical Mice

This phrase isn't about animals. It metaphorically compares unsupervised people to 'mice' who misbehave.

Illustration for Metaphorical Mice
The interns started playing games as soon as their supervisor left — when the cat’s away, the mice will play.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Unsupervised Freedom

The 'cat' represents an authority figure. Without them, people feel free to do as they please.

Illustration for Unsupervised Freedom
They started a prank war while their manager was away — truly, when the cat’s away, the mice will play.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Just Rule Breaking

The phrase can also imply indulging in activities that aren't usually allowed but aren't necessarily bad.

Illustration for Not Just Rule Breaking
The team ordered pizza for lunch when the health-conscious boss was away — when the cat’s away, the mice will play.
Visual representation of the word "When the cat’s away the mice will play"

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