What does “All cats are grey in the dark (in the night).” mean?
"All cats are grey in the dark (in the night)" means that things may appear the same or equal in certain situations or circumstances where it is difficult to distinguish or differentiate between them.
What context can I use the in?
Example
It doesn't matter if it's a Siamese or a Persian, all cats are grey in the dark. You won't be able to tell them apart.
Example
In a pitch-black room, all cats are grey in the dark. You won't be able to see their different colors or patterns.
Example
When the moon is hidden behind the clouds, all cats are grey in the night. It's hard to distinguish their fur colors
Is “All cats are grey in the dark (in the night).” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“All cats are grey in the dark (in the 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 (in the night).” effectively in context?
You can use "All cats are grey in the dark (in the night)" to emphasize that appearances can be deceiving and that it can be difficult to distinguish or differentiate between things in certain situations. For example, if someone is trying to choose between two similar options, you might say, 'It doesn't matter which one you choose, all cats are grey in the dark.'
- 1Appearance
When the room is poorly lit, all cats are grey in the dark. It's hard to see their different fur colors.
- 2Equality
In a competition where everyone has the same skills and abilities, all cats are grey in the dark. It's difficult to determine who will come out on top.
- 3Judgment
When making a decision based solely on outward appearances, all cats are grey in the night. It's challenging to accurately assess the situation.
Similar phrases to “All cats are grey in the dark (in the night).”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “All cats are grey in the dark (in the night).” come from?
The origin of the phrase "All cats are grey in the dark (in the night)" is unknown.
Is “All cats are grey in the dark (in the night).” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "All cats are grey in the dark (in the night)" is not very common in everyday conversation. It is more commonly used in writing or when discussing philosophical or abstract concepts.
What tone does “All cats are grey in the dark (in the night).” have?
"All cats are grey in the dark (in the night)" conveys a tone of skepticism and caution. It suggests that things may not always be as they seem and encourages careful consideration before making judgments or decisions.
Can “All cats are grey in the dark (in the night).” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "All cats are grey in the dark (in the night)" is relatively formal and may not be used in casual conversations. It is more likely to be encountered in literature, academic discussions, or when expressing abstract ideas.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'In a dimly lit room, 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 for caution or skepticism.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- things aren't always what they seem
- appearances can be deceiving
- looks can be deceiving
- superficial judgments can be misleading
- surface similarities can be misleading
Antonyms
- clear distinctions can be made
- differences are apparent
- appearances accurately reflect reality
- surface differences are significant
- outward appearances are reliable indicators
