gods may do what cattle may not
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
What is permitted to one important person or group is not permitted to everyone; there is a double standard.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
For quotations using this term, see Citations:gods may do what cattle may not.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “gods may do what cattle may not” mean?
What is permitted to one important person or group is not permitted to everyone; there is a double standard.
Is “gods may do what cattle may not” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.