Look what the cat dragged in

Generated image of a cat with a sandal it has caught
Look what the cat dragged in is a joking remark made when someone arrives unexpectedly, often looking messy or late. The phrase is often mild teasing rather than real criticism.

The image comes from a cat bringing home something it has caught. The object often looks a bit ... chewed up.

When he finally showed up after missing the morning meeting, someone laughed and said look what the cat dragged in.