Though the cat winks awhile, yet sure she is not blind.

Understand the thought

Meaning in plain English

An observer who appears inattentive may still be aware of what is happening. The cat’s momentary wink warns against treating a brief lapse in visible attention as proof that nothing has been noticed.

What the words are saying

The cat closes its eyes for a moment, but the proverb rejects the conclusion that it has lost the ability to observe. Figuratively, someone may not display attention continuously yet still understand the situation. That possibility can challenge a hasty judgement about what another person knows. It is not evidence that every quiet or apparently distracted observer is secretly informed. Nor does it justify hiding activity in the hope that someone is not watching. The useful reading asks what the observer actually knows or needs, rather than inferring total unawareness from a single outward sign. The cat remains an image, not an instruction about animal behaviour.

Everyday example

A tutor looks away while gathering papers but has still heard a group’s question; the group checks rather than assuming it must repeat the entire discussion.

When to use it

Use it when outward signs of attention are being treated as a complete measure of awareness.

Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.