“A cat may look at a king” is an idiom in the English language that people use in everyday conversation. You have likely used this expression yourself at some point, but many people don’t know its true meaning. Understand the meaning of this idiom, learn where it came from, and see some example sentences to help you use it in daily conversation.
Meaning of the Idiom
‘A cat may look at a king’ is an idiom expressing the idea that everyone, regardless of their status or position, has the right to observe or scrutinize those in authority. The phrase challenges the notion that certain individuals or groups are beyond scrutiny or observation. It underscores the principle that even the most powerful or important figures can be subject to the gaze or scrutiny of others, just as a cat, a seemingly insignificant creature, may look at a king, the epitome of authority.
Origin of the Idiom
The origin of ‘a cat may look at a king’ can be traced back to the 16th century. The phrase appears in various forms in English literature, including works by Thomas Heywood and John Heywood. The idiom likely evolved from the common sense notion that no one, regardless of their social status, should be prohibited from looking at or observing those in authority.
10 Idiom Example Sentences
1. The journalist insisted on asking tough questions during the interview, emphasizing that a cat may look at a king, and public figures should be accountable.
2. During the town hall meeting, residents expressed their concerns about local policies, asserting that a cat may look at a king, and citizens have the right to question authority.
3. The employee raised issues during the company meeting, emphasizing that a cat may look at a king, and constructive criticism is essential for organizational improvement.
4. In the courtroom, the defense lawyer argued that the accused had the right to question the actions of those in authority, stating that a cat may look at a king.
5. The student challenged the professor’s decision, asserting that a cat may look at a king, and students have the right to question academic decisions.
6. During the community forum, participants voiced their opinions on city planning, highlighting that a cat may look at a king, and community members should be involved in decision-making.
7. The shareholder questioned the CEO’s strategies at the annual meeting, emphasizing that a cat may look at a king, and shareholders have the right to scrutinize business decisions.
8. In the political debate, candidates discussed the importance of transparency, stating that a cat may look at a king, and elected officials should be open to public scrutiny.
9. The activist group organized a protest, asserting that a cat may look at a king, and the government should be accountable to the citizens.
10. The citizen’s forum provided a platform for residents to voice concerns to local authorities, highlighting that a cat may look at a king, and community engagement is crucial.
How to Use ‘A Cat May Look at a King’ in Everyday Conversations
Now that you know the meaning and origin of the idiom “a cat may look at a king,” let’s see how you can use it in a real-world conversation.
Conversation 1:
Lucy and Brian are talking about Brian’s experience at a fancy art gallery.
Lucy: So, how did the gallery visit go? Weren’t there some big names there?
Brian: Yeah, I saw a few famous artists. I even chatted with one of them.
Lucy: Wow, weren’t you nervous?
Brian: A little, but then I thought, why not? A cat may look at a king, right?
Lucy: Absolutely. Just because they’re famous doesn’t mean you can’t talk to them.
Conversation 2:
Anna and Mike are discussing an interaction Anna had with her company’s CEO.
Anna: I saw the CEO in the elevator today and actually said hello.
Mike: Really? Most people wouldn’t dare approach him.
Anna: I figured, a cat may look at a king. Why shouldn’t I be friendly?
Mike: Good for you. We’re all human, after all.
Similar Idioms
1. Know Your Place
Meaning: This idiom means understanding one’s role or status in a situation, though it’s often used to imply that people shouldn’t overstep boundaries, as opposed to asserting that everyone has the right to look upon anyone.
Example: Although she wanted to join the executive meeting, she knew her place and waited for an invitation.
2. Stand One’s Ground
Meaning: This idiom means asserting one’s rights or position, especially when faced with someone of higher status or power, somewhat similar to how even a “cat” has the right to stand its ground.
Example: Despite his supervisor’s criticism, he stood his ground and defended his ideas.
Idioms Starting From Letter A
Each and every letter of the English alphabet has hundreds of idioms. As in this post, we are talking about the idiom beginning with the letter A. There are many other idioms that also start with the ‘A’, which can be useful to you. We have gathered all the A-starting idiomatic expressions on a single page to make it easy for you to find the best and most useful idioms starting with the letter A.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.