like the cat that got the cream

like the cat that got the cream

Obviously smug and/or overly pleased with oneself. After her promotion, Janet spent the rest of the day looking like the cat that got the cream.
See also: cat, cream, like, that
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

like the cat that got the cream

BRITISH or

like the cat that ate the canary

AMERICAN
If someone looks like the cat that got the cream, they look satisfied and happy with themselves because they have been successful or done something they are proud of. `Thanks a million,' he repeats, grinning like the cat that got the cream. Jules stands at one end, looking like the cat that ate the canary.
See also: cat, cream, like, that
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

like the cat that's got (or who's stolen) the cream

self-satisfied; having achieved your objective. informal, chiefly British
See also: cat, cream, like
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • like the cat that's got the cream
  • like the cat that got, stole, etc. the cream
  • like the cat that stole the cream
  • stole
  • look like the cat that ate the canary
  • look like the cat that swallowed the canary
  • wash (one's) hands of (someone or something)
  • wash one's hands of
  • wash your hands of somebody/something
  • wash your hands of something/someone
References in periodicals archive
LOTTERY winner Peter Lavery looks like the cat that got the cream yesterday.
Does Julia Roberts look like the cat that got the cream or what?