When the cat's away, the mice will play

Cultural  

1. When a person in authority is away, those under the person's rule will enjoy their freedom.

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when the cat's away, the mice will play Idioms  

1. Without supervision, people will do as they please, especially in disregarding or breaking rules. For example, As soon as their parents left, the children invited all their friends over—when the cat's away, you know. This expression has been a proverb since about 1600 and is so well known it is often shortened, as in the example.

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Example Sentences

"And so, when the cat's away the mice will play," continued Jakobina.

From One of Life's Slaves by Muir, Jessie

"Ah, when the cat's away the mice will play."

From An Old-Fashioned Girl by Alcott, Louisa May

But when the cat’s away the mice will play, you know; so here goes.”

From The Sun Maid A Story of Fort Dearborn by Raymond, Evelyn

Yes, yes, when the cat's away, the mice will play.

From Nature and Human Nature by Haliburton, Thomas Chandler