like the cat that got the cream
Meaning: Very pleased with oneself.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “After the promotion, he was grinning like the cat that got the cream.”
Category: Animals
Origin: A cat that has helped itself to cream looks smug. The British phrase is found from the early 20th century; Americans also say "the cat that ate the canary."
Equivalents in other languages
- French: Le roi n'est pas son cousin — literally: The king is not his cousin
More idioms — Animals
- strong as an ox — Very strong.
- holy cow! — An exclamation of surprise.
- sly as a fox — Very cunning.
- count one's chickens before they hatch — To rely on something good before it has actually happened.
- a dog's breakfast — A complete mess.
- not a peep — Not a sound, or not a word from someone.
More English idioms
- work for peanuts — To work for very little pay.
- sit on one's hands — To do nothing when action is needed.
- flat out — As fast or as hard as possible.
- can't carry a tune in a bucket — Sings very badly.
- a smash hit — To be a huge success.
- beat someone to a pulp — To beat someone very severely.