mice

UK /maɪs/ US /maɪs/

verb 1

Definitions

verb

To be distracted or inattentive (possibly alluding to a cat being distracted by a mouse).

That cat's mysin, he doesn't see the dog coming.

A breakfast diner might describe an incident with someone who was "not too tightly wrapped". Or not wanting to waste time on someone who was always "micin". Another breakfast guest might explode with "what'chu mean?", only to be told half-jokingly, “Bie ... shut yor mouth”.

Collocations

ADJ.

distinct, good

The laboratory had distinct mice strains that researchers used for different experiments.

VERB + MICE

catch, catches, exterminate, field, house, keeps, laid, plans

The cat catches mice in the barn every night during summer.

MICE + NOUN

he's, men, purpose

The laboratory mice he's been studying for months finally showed the expected results.

PREP.

from, in, up

We found mice in the attic last winter and had to call an exterminator.

ADV.

away, often

The cat chased the mice away from the kitchen counter.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

Antonyms

Idioms & Phrases

when the cat's away the mice will play

In the absence of a controlling entity, subordinates will take advantage of circumstances.

a cat in gloves catches no mice

One cannot obtain what one desires by being cautious; one must be aggressive.

the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry

No matter how well a project is planned, accidents or misfortune can still occur.

But mouse, you are not alone, In proving foresight may be vain; The best laid schemes of mice and men go often askew And leave us nothing but grief and pain, For promised joy!

the best laid plans of mice and men go oft astray

Alternative form of the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.

when the cat's away the mice play

Alternative form of when the cat's away the mice will play.

Example Bank

That cat's mysin, he doesn't see the dog coming.

Wiktionary

A breakfast diner might describe an incident with someone who was "not too tightly wrapped". Or not wanting to waste time on someone who was always "micin". Another breakfast guest might explode with

Wiktionary

When the cat is away, the mice will play.

Tatoeba · #20065

I heard the manager's wife is on vacation. And, well, when the cat's away, the mice play. Now he's out partying every night.

Tatoeba · #23660

He says he must get rid of the mice that are in the attic.

Tatoeba · #25567

We rid his house of mice.

Tatoeba · #28763

Usage Notes

Your note

not saved

0 chars