grin like a Cheshire cat
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
To smile broadly, especially in a self-satisfied way.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
John ended the set with a beautiful serve, an ace, and could not help grinning like a Cheshire cat.
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). Figurative class: Simile (PIE-English corpus, CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-31).
Common questions
What does “grin like a Cheshire cat” mean?
To smile broadly, especially in a self-satisfied way.
Is “grin like a Cheshire cat” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.