Phrase guide

grin like a Cheshire cat

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To smile broadly, especially in a self-satisfied way.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Qualifier: simile

Examples

  • John ended the set with a beautiful serve, an ace, and could not help grinning like a Cheshire cat.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: smile from ear to ear

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Attested since at least the 1780s. The reason why Cheshire was combined with cat is disputed: see here for more information.

Across languages

Translations

13 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Estonian: kõrvuni naeratama — to smile broadly
  • Finnish: hymyillä kuin Hangon keksi — to smile broadly
  • Finnish: hymyillä korvasta korvaan — to smile broadly
  • French: sourire jusqu'aux oreilles — to smile broadly
  • German: grinsen wie ein Honigkuchenpferd — to smile broadly
  • German: grinsen von Ohr zu Ohr — to smile broadly
  • Hungarian: fülig ér a szája — to smile broadly
  • Hungarian: vigyorog, mint a fakutya/vadkörte/tejbetök — to smile broadly
  • Italian: mostrare un sorriso a trentadue denti — to smile broadly
  • Italian: sfoggiare un sorriso a trentadue denti — to smile broadly
  • Spanish: sonreír de oreja a oreja — to smile broadly
  • Swedish: grina som en solvarg — to smile broadly
  • Turkish: pişmiş kelle gibi sırıtmak — to smile broadly