Meaning of When the cat is not there, the mice have a party (What it is, Concept and Definition)

What is it When the cat is not there the mice have a party:

“When the cat is not there, the mice have a party” is a saying that means that When the authority figure is absent, others relax in fulfilling their obligations.

In every human group, linked for various reasons (family, friendship, work, etc.), There is always a figure who is in charge of maintaining order, command respect, make decisions, etc. Their hierarchy allows the group to function, fulfill its obligations, and behave appropriately.

For this reason, the temporary absence of this figure is sometimes detrimental to the order of the group: people take liberties, forget their duties, change their behavior, assume the role of leader without true notions of what it means, among other things. .

In this sense, the saying is generally applied to suggest the consequences of letting down one’s guard or neglecting the order of the group. It is very common to refer it in the absence of the head of the office, or the absence of the father or mother at home.

This saying can be poured into English as “when the cat’s away, the mice will play”, which literally translates ‘when the cat is not there, the mice play’.

Variants

It is a saying that has presented many variants throughout history and geography. Below are some of the most used.

When the cats leave the house, the mice are dancing. When the cat is away, the mice are brave. When the cat is not at home, the mice walk. When the cat goes to his devotions, the mice dance. When the cat is not at home, the mice dance. When the cat is not at home, the mice have fun. When the cat is not at home, the mice walk. When the cat is not at home, the mice play. When the cat is not at home, the mice go out. When the cat is absent, the mice have fun. When the cat is missing, the mice dance. The cats die, the moments rejoice. Relax, hens, the rooster is in harvest. Relax, hens, the rooster is dead.