The phrase "look what the cat dragged in" is an idiomatic expression used to acknowledge someone's arrival, often with an ironic or humorous tone. It typically implies that the person arriving is either unwelcome or looks messy, disheveled, or otherwise rough around the edges. The phrase plays on the imagery of a domestic cat bringing home something undesirable from outside, like a dead animal or a mess. There are two closely related idioms:
- "Look what the cat dragged in" – used to note someone's arrival, sometimes implying surprise, mild disapproval, or teasing.
- "To look like something the cat dragged in" – describes a person who appears bedraggled or worn out, as if they've been through a lot or had a rough time.
Both expressions come from the idea of a cat catching and bringing in something unpleasant from outdoors, which is typically not welcome inside the house. This phrase is used both seriously and humorously depending on context, and it can be a mild playful insult or a familiar, joking way to greet someone who appears untidy or late.
