proverb · Legacy record
It does not matter if the cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice.
It does not matter if the cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
A cat’s colour treated as irrelevant beside catching mice gives function priority over appearance. The saying asks what actually serves a specified purpose.
What the words are saying
The animal comparison is not a behaviour rule or complete test of people. A useful application identifies the relevant outcome while still considering methods, fairness and consequences. Working toward a goal does not justify harmful means, and apparent effectiveness alone is not a complete measure of value.
Everyday example
A team assesses whether an approach meets its agreed purpose rather than preferring it merely for its appearance.
When to use it
Use it to distinguish relevant function from an irrelevant visible trait.
Put a useful idea into practice: try the free seven-day guide ↗
What it does not mean
No animal-control method or permission for harmful means is established.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
China
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin.- Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference (2014 AD)
Supplied reference B; unit 267; PDF page 30; collection label: China
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.
- Culture
- China