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."
See also: mice, play, will
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
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 thereSee also: away, mice, play, will
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- when the cat's away
- when the cat's away, the mice will play
- walk all over
- walk all over (someone)
- walk all over somebody
- lose (one's) hold over (someone or something)
- responsible party
- take charge
- prophet
- prophet is not without honor save in his own country