IdiomAnimals
English
Englishlike the cat that got the cream
Meaning: Very pleased with oneself.
Example: “After the promotion, he was grinning like the cat that got the cream.”
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 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.
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