What does “Curiosity killed a cat.” mean?
"Curiosity killed the cat" means that being too curious or inquisitive can lead to trouble or danger, implying that people should be cautious and not meddle in things that do not concern them.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Don't ask too many questions, curiosity killed a cat. It's better to mind your own business.
Example
He couldn't resist opening the mysterious package, even though he knew curiosity killed a cat.
Example
She decided not to snoop around her neighbor's backyard, remembering that *curiosity killed a cat.
Is “Curiosity killed a cat.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Curiosity killed a cat.” 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 “Curiosity killed a cat.” effectively in context?
You can use "Curiosity killed a cat" to caution someone against being too curious or nosy. It serves as a reminder to be cautious and not meddle in things that do not concern them. For example, if a friend is prying into someone else's personal life, you might say, 'Remember, curiosity killed a cat. It's better to mind your own business.'
- 1Personal Life
She resisted the temptation to read her sister's diary, knowing that curiosity killed a cat.
- 2Investigations
He decided to stop digging for information about his coworker's past, realizing that curiosity killed a cat.
- 3Gossip
They refrained from spreading rumors about their classmate, understanding that curiosity killed a cat.
Similar phrases to “Curiosity killed a cat.”:
This variation of the proverb suggests that while curiosity can be dangerous, it can also lead to valuable knowledge or experiences.
Example
She couldn't resist exploring the abandoned house, and while curiosity killed the cat, satisfaction brought it back.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Curiosity killed a cat.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Curiosity killed a cat" is unknown. It is believed to have originated in the 16th century, but the exact source is unclear.
Is “Curiosity killed a cat.” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Curiosity killed a cat" is a well-known proverb that is often used in everyday conversation. People use it to warn others about the potential dangers of being too curious or nosy.
What tone does “Curiosity killed a cat.” have?
"Curiosity killed a cat" conveys a tone of caution and wisdom. It is used to remind people to be mindful of their curiosity and to avoid meddling in things that may lead to trouble or danger.
Can “Curiosity killed a cat.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "curiosity killed a cat" is commonly used in both informal and formal settings. It is a widely recognized proverb that can be used in various contexts, such as casual conversations with friends or more formal situations like presentations or writing.
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, 'Don't ask too many questions, curiosity killed a cat.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Curiosity killed a cat!' to imply a warning against being too curious.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- nosiness leads to trouble
- being too curious can be dangerous
- meddling can have consequences
- inquisitiveness can be harmful
Antonyms
- ignorance is bliss
- not knowing is safer
- avoiding curiosity keeps you out of trouble
