when the cat's away the mice will play
when the cat's away, the mice will play
When someone in authority is not present, those subordinate to that authority do whatever they want. A: "If I leave my classroom for even a moment, I come back to find the place in chaos." B: "When the cat's away, the mice will play."
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
when the cat’s aˈway the mice will ˈplay
(saying) people enjoy themselves more and behave with greater freedom when the person in charge of them is not thereFarlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
- when the cat's away
- when the cat's away (the mice will play)
- when the cat's away, the mice will play
- put (one) in charge (of someone or something)
- take charge of (someone or something)
- lose (one's) hold over (someone or something)
- responsible party
- take charge
- gray eminence
- a prophet is not without honor save in his own country