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While the cat's away, the mouse will play meaning

What does the saying 'While the cat's away, the mouse will play' mean?

Idiom: While the cat's away, the mouse will play

Meaning:

People whose behaviour is strictly controlled go over the top when the authority is not around, which is why most teenagers have parties when their parents have gone on holiday. The parents are the scary authority figures, but the cat's away and the kids are the mice partying and enjoying their freedom.
Country: International English | Subject Area: Animals | Usage Type: Both or All Words Used
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