All cats are grey in the dark

All cats are grey in the dark

Examples

On their left they passed an alcove which contained two marble statues, stalwart nymphs clasping their draperies in an agony of Victorian propriety. "They are not what is admired nowadays " admitted Poirot. "But no doubt they cost much money in their time. They look better by night, I think." "Yes, one sees only a white glimmering figure." Poirot murmured: "All cats are grey in the dark!" (Christie)

"I wish you would think of what I said to you the other day. Come over to America with us, and I will put you in the way of doing some business. You have got a very good head, if you will only use it." Valentin made a genial grimace. "My head is much obliged to you. Do you mean the place in a bank?" "There are several places, but I suppose you would consider the bank the most aristocratic." Valentin burst into a laugh. "My dear fellow, at night all cats are grey! When one derogates there are no degrees." (James)

He chuckled, "How can they help creating dismal works of art? You see they live in the twilight of capitalism ... and as we say, in the twilight all cats seem gray." (Ch. and D. Carter)

Russian translation

В темноте все кошки серы.
Все люди (предметы) темноте кажутся одинаковыми.

Variation

When candles are out all cats are grey.
All cats are grey at night.

Synonyms

Joan's as good as my lady in the dark.

Comparison

Ночью все кошки серы.
Ночью все кони вороные.
И урод ночью красавец.