What is the meaning of the proverb "like a cat cried"? - briefly
The proverb "like a cat cried" is not a recognized or commonly used expression in English. Therefore, it does not have a widely understood or established meaning.
What is the meaning of the proverb "like a cat cried"? - in detail
The proverb "like a cat cried" is a phrase that is not widely recognized in standard English literature or idiomatic expressions. It is possible that it may be a regional or colloquial expression, or it might be a misheard or misremembered version of another phrase. To provide a detailed explanation, it is essential to explore potential interpretations and related idioms.
Cats are often associated with subtle and quiet vocalizations, unlike dogs, which are known for their louder and more insistent barking. Therefore, if someone "cried like a cat," it could be interpreted as a quiet, almost silent, or unnoticed form of expression. This could imply that the person's cries or complaints are ignored, unheard, or dismissed as insignificant. In this sense, the phrase might be used to describe a situation where someone's pleas for help or attention are overlooked or considered trivial.
Another possibility is that the phrase is a variation of a more familiar saying. For example, "crying like a baby" is a common expression that means to cry loudly and uncontrollably, often due to distress or pain. If "like a cat cried" is meant to contrast with this, it could signify a more restrained or controlled form of crying, perhaps indicating that the person is trying to suppress their emotions or is crying in a way that does not draw much attention.
To further understand the phrase, consider the following related idioms and their meanings:
- "Crying wolf": This idiom refers to someone who repeatedly raises a false alarm, causing others to ignore their genuine cries for help.
- "Crying over spilled milk": This phrase means to complain about a loss or mistake that cannot be undone.
- "Crying crocodile tears": This expression describes insincere or false tears, often shed to deceive others.
While "like a cat cried" does not directly match any of these idioms, it shares some similarities in terms of emotional expression and the potential for being unnoticed or dismissed. However, without more specific information or regional usage, it is challenging to provide a definitive interpretation.
In summary, the phrase "like a cat cried" likely refers to a quiet, unnoticed, or dismissed form of crying. It could also be a variation of other idiomatic expressions related to emotional expression. To gain a better understanding, it would be helpful to know more about the regional or cultural origins of the phrase.