Are you blind like kittens? - briefly
"Are you blind like kittens?" is a common English idiom used to express exasperation or disbelief when someone seems oblivious or slow to understand something obvious. The phrase draws on the well-known fact that newborn kittens are virtually blind, symbolizing naivety and lack of perception.
Are you blind like kittens? - in detail
The phrase "Are you blind like kittens?" is a metaphorical expression that draws an analogy between human perception and the visual acuity of newborn kittens. Kittens, upon birth, are not fully visually developed; their eyesight is blurred and they lack depth perception. This initial state of limited vision is often referred to as "functional blindness." As kittens grow, their vision improves significantly over time, reaching full maturity within a few weeks.
When applied to humans, the phrase suggests that the person being addressed is unobservant or lacks awareness of their surroundings, much like a newborn kitten. It implies a criticism or rebuke for not noticing something obvious or important that should have been apparent. The metaphor underscores the idea that the individual's perception or understanding is underdeveloped or incomplete, similar to the initial stage of a kitten's visual development.
The use of this phrase can be both humorous and critical, depending on the context in which it is used. It serves as a rhetorical device to highlight a perceived lack of observational skills or awareness, encouraging the listener to be more attentive and perceptive.