ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cat that ate the canary

idiom
Meaning

A person who appears self-satisfied or smug, especially while concealing something mischievous, prohibited, or private.


Examples
SIMPLE

He looks like the cat that ate the canary after his prank.

CONTEXTUAL

She walked into the room with a smile like the cat that ate the canary, clearly hiding a secret.

COMPLEX

With a look reminiscent of the cat that ate the canary, he sat silently, savoring the knowledge that his rival had finally been outmaneuvered.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bell the cat

    To undertake a dangerous action in the service of a group.

  2. 02

    canary fit

    A highly emotional state of distress, anger, etc.

  3. 03

    canary in a coal mine

    Something whose sensitivity to adverse conditions makes it a useful early indicator of such conditions; something which warns of the coming of a greater danger or trouble by a deterioration in its health or welfare.

  4. 04

    cat and dog life

    An unhappy married life marked by arguments and disagreements.

  5. 05

    cat got someone's tongue

    Why is someone not saying anything?

  6. 06

    cat in the meal-tub

    Something concealed; a hidden danger.

  7. 07

    cat piss

    Any beverage of low quality.

  8. 08

    cool cat

    A person who performs or appreciates jazz, especially one whose style of speech and movement is relaxed and rhythmic.

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