What does “Canary in a coal mine” mean?
"Canary in a coal mine" means a person or thing that serves as an early warning sign or indicator of danger or trouble.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The recent drop in stock prices is like a canary in a coal mine for the economy.
Example
The increase in pollution levels is a canary in a coal mine for the health of our planet.
Example
The sudden decrease in customer satisfaction is a canary in a coal mine for the company's reputation
Is “Canary in a coal mine” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Canary in a coal mine” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Canary in a coal mine” effectively in context?
You can use "Canary in a coal mine" to describe a person or thing that serves as an early warning sign or indicator of danger or trouble. It emphasizes the importance of paying attention to subtle signs and taking action before a situation worsens. For example, if you notice a sudden drop in stock prices, you might say, 'It's like a canary in a coal mine for the economy.'
- 1Economy
The recent drop in stock prices is like a canary in a coal mine for the economy.
- 2Environment
The increase in pollution levels is a canary in a coal mine for the health of our planet.
- 3Business
The sudden decrease in customer satisfaction is a canary in a coal mine for the company's reputation.
Similar phrases to “Canary in a coal mine”:
Wake-up call
An event or experience that alerts someone to the need for change or action
Example
The car accident was a wake-up call for him to start driving more safely.
Alarm bell
Something that signals a problem or danger
Example
The sudden increase in crime rates is an alarm bell for the community.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Canary in a coal mine” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Canary in a coal mine" can be traced back to the practice of using canaries in coal mines during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Miners would bring canaries into the mines as an early warning system for toxic gases such as carbon monoxide. Canaries are more sensitive to these gases than humans, so if the canary became sick or died, it indicated the presence of dangerous levels of gas and signaled the need for the miners to evacuate.
Is “Canary in a coal mine” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Canary in a coal mine" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to draw attention to potential problems or dangers and to emphasize the importance of being proactive.
What tone does “Canary in a coal mine” have?
"Canary in a coal mine" conveys a tone of caution and foresight. It suggests the need to be vigilant and responsive to early warning signs in order to prevent or mitigate negative outcomes.
Can “Canary in a coal mine” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Canary in a coal mine" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that conveys the idea of being alert to potential dangers or problems. You can use it in casual conversations with friends or colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, reports, or professional discussions.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The sudden drop in sales is a canary in a coal mine for the company's financial health.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Looks like a canary in a coal mine!' to imply the presence of a warning sign.
