when the cat’s away, the mice will play
when the cat’s away, the mice will play (proverb)
/ˌwɛn ðə kæts əˈweɪ, ðə maɪs wɪl pleɪ/
Meaning
- People misbehave or break rules when a supervising authority is absent.
- Workers or subordinates relax or avoid duties when their boss is not present.
- Children or dependents become unruly when left unsupervised.
Synonyms: misbehave; break the rules; goof off; skip work; shirk; slack; loaf; idle; frolic.
Example Sentences
- As soon as the teacher left the room, the students started shouting — when the cat’s away, the mice will play.
- The employees took a long coffee break after the manager left early — when the cat’s away, the mice will play.
- The kids turned the living room into a playground while their parents were out — when the cat’s away, the mice will play.
Origin and History
Ancient Roots: The Latin Proverb
The most prominent theory regarding the origin of this proverb points to a medieval Latin saying: “Dum felis dormit, mus gaudet et exsi litantro.” This translates to “When the cat sleeps, the mouse rejoices and leaps from its hole.” This Latin proverb vividly portrays the immediate relief and mischief of the mice when their predator is not actively hunting. It suggests that the core idea behind the English idiom has been present in European thought for a very long time, likely predating its appearance in English.
Early French Variations
From its Latin roots, the sentiment spread and was translated into various European languages. An early form of the proverb appeared in French in the early 14th century. This French iteration, “Ou chat na rat regne,” means “Where there is no cat, the rat is king.” This version emphasizes the unchecked power and freedom that comes with the absence of a controlling force, shifting slightly from the “playing” aspect to the idea of dominion.
English Emergence: From the 15th Century Onward
The proverb found its way into the English language around the mid-15th century. An English manuscript from about 1470 contains a line that reads, “The mows lordchypythe ther a cat ys nawt,” which means “The mouse lords it where a cat is not.” This shows the proverb taking shape in English, still focusing on the mice’s newfound authority.
The Bard’s Influence: Shakespearean Usage
One of the most notable historical appearances of the proverb in English literature is in William Shakespeare’s play Henry V, written around 1599. While not an exact word-for-word match to the modern phrase, Shakespeare’s lines convey the same underlying principle: “Playing the mouse in absence of the cat.” This inclusion by such a renowned playwright solidified the proverb’s presence and understanding in the English-speaking world.
The Earliest Printed Record
While the exact first printed record of the phrase “When the cat’s away, the mice will play” in its modern form is challenging to pinpoint definitively, its widespread usage suggests it was common in spoken language before being extensively documented in print. However, the themes and similar expressions were certainly in written circulation by the late 15th and 16th centuries, as seen in the examples above. The proverb was well-established by the 17th century.
Universal Human Nature: A Core Belief
Beyond historical texts, the enduring nature of this proverb also points to a fundamental belief about human behavior. The idea that people, given a lack of supervision, will gravitate towards less productive or more enjoyable activities is a concept that resonates universally. This is not necessarily a judgment but an observation of human nature – the desire for freedom and the tendency to test boundaries.
The phrase has been applied to various situations throughout history, from children misbehaving when parents are out to employees slacking off in their boss’s absence. This adaptability is a testament to its simple yet profound truth.
Imaginative Interpretations: Beyond the Literal
While the origin is rooted in the literal relationship between cats and mice, one could imagine more allegorical beginnings. Perhaps ancient storytellers used the image to explain power dynamics within tribes or kingdoms. A powerful leader (the cat) would keep order, but in their absence, chaos or rebellion (the mice playing) might ensue. Or, in a more personal sense, it could represent the freedom individuals feel when released from societal expectations or strict moral codes. The simplicity of the imagery allows for a wide range of interpretations, making it a truly versatile and relatable idiom.
Variants
- when the cat is away, the mice will play
- when the cat’s away, the mice are at play
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