noun
feigned innocence; wolf in sheep's clothing
Describes a person who hides their true nature behind a gentle, innocent, or modest facade. Often used for someone who acts sweet but is actually cunning or calculating.
彼女は猫かぶりだから、本当は怒っているのに笑っている。
She's a wolf in sheep's clothing, so she's smiling even though she's actually angry.
あの新人、猫かぶりしてるけど、裏では何を考えてるかわからない。
That new guy is putting on an innocent act, but you never know what he's really thinking.
noun
feigned ignorance; playing dumb
Specifically pretending not to know something, often to avoid responsibility or to manipulate a situation. Overlaps with the general 'feigned innocence' sense but emphasizes ignorance.
彼は猫かぶりで、知ってるくせに「知らない」と言った。
He played dumb and said he didn't know, even though he did.