What does “All cats are grey in the dark (at night).” mean?
"All cats are grey in the dark (at night)" means that in the absence of information or knowledge, things can appear to be equal or similar. It warns against making assumptions or judgments based solely on appearances, and encourages seeking out more information before drawing conclusions.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Don't judge a book by its cover. All cats are grey in the dark (at night). You need to get to know someone before making assumptions about them.
Example
Just because they look similar doesn't mean they are the same. All cats are grey in the dark (at night). You should gather more information before making a decision.
Example
Appearances can be deceiving. All cats are grey in the dark (at night). Don't jump to conclusions without knowing all the facts
Is “All cats are grey in the dark (at night).” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“All cats are grey in the dark (at night).” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “All cats are grey in the dark (at night).” effectively in context?
You can use "All cats are grey in the dark (at night)" to emphasize the importance of not making assumptions or judgments based solely on appearances. It encourages seeking out more information before drawing conclusions. For example, if someone is judging a person based on their physical appearance, you might say, 'Remember, all cats are grey in the dark. You need to get to know them before making assumptions.'
- 1Getting to Know Someone
Don't judge a book by its cover. All cats are grey in the dark (at night). You need to get to know someone before making assumptions about them.
- 2Making Decisions
Just because they look similar doesn't mean they are the same. All cats are grey in the dark (at night). You should gather more information before making a decision.
- 3Avoiding Jumping to Conclusions
Appearances can be deceiving. All cats are grey in the dark (at night). Don't jump to conclusions without knowing all the facts.
Similar phrases to “All cats are grey in the dark (at night).”:
Things may not be as they appear at first glance
Example
He may seem friendly, but appearances can be deceiving. Be cautious.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “All cats are grey in the dark (at night).” come from?
The origin of the phrase "All cats are grey in the dark (at night)" is unknown.
Is “All cats are grey in the dark (at night).” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "All cats are grey in the dark (at night)" is not as common as some other proverbs, but it is still known and used in everyday conversation. It is often used to remind people not to judge based on appearances and to encourage seeking more information before forming opinions.
What tone does “All cats are grey in the dark (at night).” have?
"All cats are grey in the dark (at night)" conveys a tone of caution and wisdom. It is used to warn against making assumptions or judgments based solely on what can be seen on the surface.
Can “All cats are grey in the dark (at night).” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "All cats are grey in the dark (at night)" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a proverb that conveys a universal message about the importance of looking beyond appearances. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Don't judge a book by its cover. All cats are grey in the dark.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, "all cats are grey in the dark"!' to imply the need to look beyond appearances.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- don't judge by appearances
- looks can be deceiving
- seek the truth before judging
- appearances are not everything
- don't make assumptions based on looks
Antonyms
- judge a book by its cover
- trust appearances
- jump to conclusions
- make assumptions based on looks
- form opinions without gathering information
