Cat that ate the canary Meaning in English
expression
Definition
If someone looks like the 'cat that ate the canary', they look very proud, pleased, or guilty because they've gotten away with something or have a secret.
Usage & Nuances
This is an idiomatic, often playful, expression used mainly in informal conversation to describe someone with a self-satisfied or mischievous grin. It often implies they've gotten away with something. Used with 'look like' or 'grin like'.
Example Sentences
He walked in with a cat that ate the canary look after winning the prize.
basic
When she finished the test early, she looked like the cat that ate the canary.
basic
After eating the last cookie, he grinned like the cat that ate the canary.
basic
She tried to act innocent, but she had that cat that ate the canary smile.
natural
You know that look—the cat that ate the canary—when you’ve just pulled off something sneaky.
natural
He answered the tough question with a cat that ate the canary grin, like he knew a secret no one else did.
natural