don't make yourself a mouse, or the cat will eat you

proverb If you are timid, you are likely to be overpowered by or taken advantage of by others. Come on, you have to stand up to those girls. Don't make yourself a mouse, or the cat will eat you. I know you're a strong, courageous boy. Don't make yourself a mouse, or the cat will eat you. Don't make yourself a mouse, or the cat will eat you, OK? The boss is going to keep pushing you around if he thinks he can get away with it.