When the cat winketh, little wots the mouse what the cat thinketh.

Understand the thought

Meaning in plain English

An apparently relaxed adversary may still have intentions you cannot see. The cat and mouse image warns against treating an outward gesture as complete evidence of another person’s plans.

What the words are saying

The cat’s wink does not tell the mouse what the cat is thinking. The contrast between a visible gesture and an inaccessible intention is the center of the saying. It can encourage someone to seek clearer information instead of assuming that a friendly appearance settles a disputed matter. The predator-and-prey image makes the warning sharp, but everyday relationships need not be treated as contests between enemies. Suspicion can also become excessive. A useful application checks commitments, asks questions and looks at consistent behavior, while remembering that uncertainty about motives is not proof of deceit.

Everyday example

A buyer asks for written delivery terms instead of relying entirely on a seller’s reassuring smile.

When to use it

Use it when appearances are being mistaken for clear commitments.

Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.