safe as kittens under a cook-stove.

[Rollercoaster1]

Safe as kittens under a cook-stove.

I read this idiom in 'The day the dam broke'. What does that idiom mean?

 

[nigele2]

Literally it is suggesting that the gap under the cook-stove is a safe place for kittens. Possibly the thinking is that there, they cannot be trodden on and that a dog cannot get at them.

You might say "The children should hide in the cellar. They will be safe there. As safe as kittens under a cook-stove." The idiom here serves to emphasise the safety.

In the case of the 1913 rumour of a flood, the people were safe because the dam was secure. It presumably was a false alarm or a hoax. Thus, despite the fear, the reality was that they were safe. Again, the idiom would add emphasis if used here.

That of course ignores the possibility of heart attacks.