When the cat's away, the mice will play

When the cat's away, the mice will play

The proverb "When the cat's away, the mice will play" is a well-known saying that highlights the idea that people will often misbehave or take advantage of a situation when they know they are not being watched or supervised. The phrase is often used to describe situations where individuals feel free to act in a certain way when they believe there will be no consequences for their actions.

The origins of this proverb can be traced back to Aesop's fables, where it was used to convey the message that people are more likely to engage in mischief or wrongdoing when they believe they can get away with it. The image of mice playing freely when the cat is not around is a powerful metaphor for the idea that individuals will take advantage of a situation when they believe there is no one to hold them accountable.