What are these children, a cat? - briefly
"What are these children, a cat?" is an idiomatic expression often used to chastise children for being too quiet or reserved, suggesting they should be more expressive and lively. It implies that their behavior is reminiscent of a cat's aloofness rather than the expected liveliness of children.
What are these children, a cat? - in detail
The phrase "What are these children, a cat?" is a colloquial expression that is often used to convey surprise or disbelief at the behavior of children. It implies that the children in question are acting in an unexpected or unpredictable manner, similar to how a cat might behave. Cats are known for their independent and sometimes erratic nature, which can be difficult to predict or control. When this phrase is used, it suggests that the speaker finds the children's actions to be as unpredictable and hard to manage as those of a cat. This expression is typically used in informal settings and reflects the speaker's exasperation or amusement at the situation. It is not meant to be taken literally but rather serves as a humorous way to describe the challenges of dealing with children's spontaneous behavior.