What does “Sing like a canary” mean?
"Sing like a canary" means to reveal or confess everything, especially under pressure or interrogation.
What context can I use the in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Example
The suspect sang like a canary and gave up all his accomplices.
The suspect sang like a canary and gave up all his accomplices.
Example
Under intense questioning, the witness sang like a canary and provided crucial information.
Under intense questioning, the witness sang like a canary and provided crucial information.
Example
The politician sang like a canary during the press conference, admitting to all his wrongdoings
The politician sang like a canary during the press conference, admitting to all his wrongdoings
Is “Sing like a canary” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Sing like a canary” 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 “Sing like a canary” effectively in context?
You can use "Sing like a canary" to describe someone who reveals or confesses everything, especially under pressure or interrogation. It implies that the person is providing detailed and incriminating information, similar to how a canary's song is loud and clear. For example, if someone is being questioned by the police and they reveal all the details of a crime, you might say, 'They sang like a canary.'
- 1Crime Investigation
Under intense questioning, the suspect sang like a canary and gave up all his accomplices.
Under intense questioning, the suspect sang like a canary and gave up all his accomplices.
- 2Legal Proceedings
During the trial, the witness sang like a canary and provided crucial information that led to the conviction of the defendant.
During the trial, the witness sang like a canary and provided crucial information that led to the conviction of the defendant.
- 3Confession
Feeling guilty, the politician sang like a canary during the press conference, admitting to all his wrongdoings.
Feeling guilty, the politician sang like a canary during the press conference, admitting to all his wrongdoings.
Similar phrases to “Sing like a canary”:
Open up
To reveal or share one's thoughts, feelings, or secrets
Example
After much persuasion, he finally opened up about his troubled past.
After much persuasion, he finally opened up about his troubled past.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Sing like a canary” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Sing like a canary" is unknown.
Is “Sing like a canary” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Sing like a canary" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe someone who confesses or reveals information willingly or under pressure.
What tone does “Sing like a canary” have?
"Sing like a canary" conveys a tone of betrayal or vulnerability. It suggests that the person is divulging information that may be incriminating or damaging to themselves or others.
Can “Sing like a canary” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "sing like a canary" is informal and commonly used in casual conversations. It may not be suitable for formal or professional settings.
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, 'Under pressure, he sang like a canary and revealed everything.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "sing like a canary"!' to imply readiness to reveal information.
