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a cat may look at a king
01
used to imply that everyone has fundamental rights and freedoms, regardless of their social status or position, and that no one is above the law or immune to scrutiny
ProverbWhat is the origin of the proverb "a cat may look at a king" and when to use it?
The origin of the proverb "a cat may look at a king" is not specifically attributed to any one person or culture, but it reflects traditional wisdom found in many cultures. The saying serves as a reminder that everyone has inherent freedoms, including the right to observe, challenge, or question authority. While it underscores the principle of equality, it also highlights the idea that power should be accountable to those it governs.
Examples
Although he was just a lowly clerk, he refused to be intimidated by his boss's authority - a cat may look at a king, and he had every right to question and challenge his supervisor's decisions.
