when the cat's away(People take advantage of the absence of authority) phrase
when the cat's away the mice will play(in the absence of a controlling entity, subordinates will take advantage of circumstances) phrase [UK: wen ðə ˈkæts ə.ˈweɪ ðə maɪs wɪl ˈpleɪ] [US: hwen ðə ˈkæts ə.ˈweɪ ðə ˈmaɪs wɪl ˈpleɪ]