Meaning of Idiom “Look What the Cat Dragged In”
1. A playful insult used to acknowledge someone’s arrival at a place, usually to express something about their appearance being messy or rumpled, or to express surprise that they have come or mock disapproval of their late arrival.
2. A way of greeting someone when they arrive at a place that shows dislike, disapproval, or contempt.
The idiom ‘look what the cat dragged in’ can be used in a playful or insulting way.
Compare to like something the cat dragged in.
Sentence Examples
“Well look what the cat dragged in! Surprised you are out of bed by noon.”
“Look what the cat dragged in! Frank is here…better late than never.”
“Well, well, well… Look what the cat dragged in.” “Guys, whatever this is, take it outside.” — X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
“Look what the cat dragged in.” “Hi, everybody. Sorry.” “Hey. Somebody finally arrived.”
Origin
Like the related idiom “like something the cat dragged in,” this expression alludes to a cat bringing his prey, such as a mouse or bird, home. It has been used since at least the early 1920s.