cat that got the cream
Visibly self-satisfied winner
A self-satisfied expression, like someone who has just achieved something they wanted and can't hide their pleasure.
The image is of a cat looking smug after stealing cream—a forbidden treat.
Used to describe visible smugness or quiet gloating: She had the look of the cat that got the cream after landing the promotion.
Also appears as *cat that ate the canary* in American English.
- smugExcessively self-satisfied
- pleasedFeeling satisfaction or joy
- victoryDefeating an opponent
- gloatingSmug triumph display
- triumphantJoyfully victorious
self-satisfied smile · self-congratulatory · accomplishment · satisfied · fat cat · boastful · elated · proud · cocky · full of oneself · envied · resented · preening · puffed up · admired · content · arrogant · winning
cat that got the creameating humble pie
sheepish · crestfallen · dejected · hangdog · shamefaced
cat that got the creamempty-handed
Possessing nothing to show
hard done by · short-changed · missing out · left high and dry · sour grapes
cat that got the creamdown in the dumps
Sad and dispirited
crestfallen · dejected · despondent · heartbroken · miserable
catlike, gotten, cream, creams, creamy, creamed, creamery, creaminess