like the cat that got the cream: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "like the cat that got the cream" is a phrase used to express a feeling of satisfaction or smugness. It originated in Britain in the late 19th century. The image of a cat that has successfully obtained a bowl of cream and is contentedly licking its lips serves as a symbol for someone who is enjoying a great pleasure or feeling triumphant.

The idiom conveys a sense of self-satisfaction and glee, indicating that the person in question has accomplished something desirable or gained an advantage over others. It is commonly used in situations where someone has achieved a desired outcome or has received special treatment, often with an element of secrecy or smugness. It can imply that the person is aware of their good fortune and is relishing in it, perhaps taking delight in the envy or admiration of others.

Like a cat that has caught and devoured a bowl of cream, these individuals feel on top of the world. They are elated and satisfied with their accomplishments or favorable circumstances. They may have worked hard to achieve their goal or have been granted a special opportunity that has put them in a position of advantage. Regardless of how they came to be in such a favorable position, they are reveling in the feeling of being on top of the world.

Just as cream enriches the flavor and texture of coffee, achieving something desirable can greatly enhance someone's life and bring them joy. Much like adding cream to coffee makes it better, having something extra that others don't can make a person feel even happier and more content. This is often referred to as having "cream in one's coffee."

Similar to the idiom "like the cat that got the cream," the expression "cat's meow" also conveys a sense of joy and satisfaction. To be the "cat's meow" means to be something or someone outstanding or highly appreciated. It suggests that the person or thing in question is exceptional and garners admiration or praise from others.

When someone is described as the "crème de la crème," it means that they are the best of the best, the cream of the crop. This idiom is often used to refer to people or things that are of the highest quality or excellence. Being considered the "crème de la crème" is a position of great honor and status.

Those who are "like the cat that got the cream" are often pleased with themselves. They are proud of their accomplishments or favorable circumstances and feel a sense of self-satisfaction. They are happy with the way things have turned out and take delight in their achievements. Being pleased with oneself is a natural reaction to achieving something desirable.

The idiom "like the cat that got the cream" captures the feeling of satisfaction and smugness that arises from achieving something desirable. It originated in Britain in the late 19th century and has since become widely recognized in the English language. The image of a cat enjoying a bowl of cream serves as a metaphor for the delight and triumph experienced by someone who has achieved a desired outcome or gained an advantage over others.

Like a cat that has caught and devoured a bowl of cream, individuals who are "like the cat that got the cream" feel on top of the world. They are elated and satisfied with their accomplishments or favorable circumstances, and may take pleasure in the envy or admiration of others. The idiom also relates to other expressions such as having "cream in one's coffee," being the "cat's meow," and being the "crème de la crème," all of which convey a sense of joy, satisfaction, and pride.