猫かぶり

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 猫かぶり is read as ねこかぶり and is a noun for hiding one’s true nature by acting meek, innocent, or unusually kind in front of others.
• Basic usage: Describe a person with 実は猫かぶりだ, or use 猫かぶりを見抜く for seeing through the pretense.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Do not translate literally
  • It is an idiom about concealed character, not an actual action involving a cat.
• Negative evaluation
  • It implies deliberate pretense and is more critical than merely saying that someone is quiet or shy on first meeting.