What Does The Saying 'A Cat May Look At A Queen' Mean?

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Matthew Crist Profile
Matthew Crist answered
‘A Cat May Look at a Queen’ is a rather old fashioned saying that has a literal meaning because a cat can look at a Queen. But there is a much deeper meaning than this to the phrase and a few different interpretations have been put forward.
By studying the words and what their place is in human society, people believe that this phrase refers to the insignificance or artificiality of human status distinctions. In other words, a person may call themselves a King or Queen but that does not make them any better in the eyes of society. This interpretation also means that an inferior is not restricted in what they are allowed to do in front of their superior. Every person has a right to approach another, even though they may be their superior or their social statuses may be different. This phrase can also serve as a reminder that we are all equal to one another regardless of social status, education, age, gender, religion or ethnicity.
Another possible interpretation of this phrase is that looking at a Queen is quite a rebellious thing to do, so by the cat looking at the Queen, the phrase is suggesting that rebelliousness and disobedience are not just human traits as they can also be seen in animals, in this case, felines. If the expression dates back to early Britain when cats were simply kept in castles for catching mice, then it suggests that they were the lowliest servants whereas the Queen was the highest authority. It can also be a reminder that authority, in this case the Queen, is there to be questioned by its subjects, the cat.
Or, completely contrary to the above meaning, the phrase could be suggesting that cats, who were once hailed as Gods by the Egyptians who believed they were the Guardians of the Underworld, have privileges that we humans do not.
Patricia Devereux Profile
The entire phrase is "Even a cat may look at a queen (or king, as I learned in the U.S.)."  This means that every person has the right to approach another, even if their social statuses are very different. It is also a way to buck up a person's confidence: A reminder that we are all equals -- regardless of difference in social status, education, appearance, sex, or age -- and no one is above approach, or reproach, as the case may be.    I think it is also a reminder that many authorities should be questioned.    Presumably, the expression dates from British days of yore when cats were kept simply for mousing and were considered the lowliest of creatures -- and the Queen the highest and most unassailable.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
A cat may look at a queen что это значит?
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered

The cat can look at the queen can also be considered a play on the word "queen". A female cat is called a queen.

As for what it means it just means somebody can look at another person regardless of their social status or position. I usually heard it used when someone accuses another of staring at them. "Stop staring at me. Why you looking at me?" "The cat can look at the queen."

Atakan Eğri Profile
Atakan Eğri answered
A Cat May Look at a Queen is an album by Franklin Bruno. It was released on September 17, 2002 on the Absolutely Kosher label.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
Actually, the complete saying is, "A cat can look at a queen, but a queen won't look at a cat."
And it demonstrates the snobbery of egotists.
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I use this expression when someone has the courage to do or say the right thing, and is then unjustifiably criticized by ill-meaning people: Let them stare and comment. One should take no notice of them!
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
It is not a statement it is a question and the question is, "Can;t a cat look at the queen"
It is a question that a person ask when they have looked at another person and the person says, "What are you looking at?" so then the parson says, Can't a cat look at the queen?' I don't know where that comes from . But ai would like to know...
Anonymous Profile
Anonymous answered
I have a different interpretation.  "A cat may look at a queen/king but the queen/king can't look at the cat" means that the queen is bound by certain restrictions on public behavior that include not staring at pets for a given length of time.  It refers to the bonds of duty and the associated expectations.  There are all sorts of work situations that this phrase accurately describes.

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