鬼おにのいぬまに洗せん濯たく

expression

when the cat's away, the mice will play; taking a break while the boss is out; doing what one wants when alone

Proverbial expression meaning to relax or do as one pleases when a feared or strict person (the 'demon') is absent. Often used humorously.

See also: 命の洗濯

• 部ぶ長ちょうが出しゅっ張ちょうでいないから、今日きょうは鬼おにのいぬまに洗せん濯たくだ。

  The department head is away on a business trip, so today we can relax while the boss is out.

• 子こ供どもたちは親おやが留る守すの間あいだに鬼おにのいぬまに洗せん濯たくとばかりにゲームをしていた。

  The kids were playing games while their parents were out, as if to say 'when the cat's away, the mice will play.'