miners' canary: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘miners' canary’ mean?

A "miners' canary" is a metaphorical term used to describe someone or something that serves as an early indicator or warning of potential danger or problems in a particular situation.

Idiom Explorer

See also

widow-maker: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "widow-maker" refers to something that is extremely dangerous or life-threatening, particularly in a physical or occupational context. It is often used to describe hazards or tasks that have the potential to cause death, especially in male-dominated industries like logging or construction.

red flag: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "red flag" refers to a warning sign or indicator of a problem or potential danger.

on the radar: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "on the radar" means something or someone is being noticed, considered, or taken into account. It implies awareness or recognition of a particular thing or person.

on one’s watch: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "on one's watch" means being responsible for something or someone during one's assigned time or period of duty.

one’s bark is worse than one’s bite: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "one's bark is worse than one's bite" means that someone may sound or appear threatening, but they are not actually as dangerous or harmful as they seem.

one-note: Idiom Meaning and Origin

"One-note" as an idiom refers to someone or something that is limited in their abilities or characteristics, lacking variety or depth. It implies a lack of range or flexibility, often used to describe a person who has a single focus or interest.

nuclear option: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "nuclear option" refers to a drastic or extreme course of action that is intended to have a significant and often irreversible impact on a particular situation or issue.

not a minute too soon: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "not a minute too soon" means that something happens or arrives at the exact time needed, often just before it would have been too late or after a long wait.

nervous hit: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "nervous hit" is used to describe a situation where someone becomes anxious or apprehensive before an important event or decision.

Monday-morning quarterback: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "Monday-morning quarterback" is used to describe someone who criticizes or passes judgment on an event or situation after it has already happened, particularly with the benefit of hindsight.

Unmasking a Silent Warning Sign

Miners once relied on canaries as warning indicators.

the metaphorical concept of the *miners' canary* has permeated multiple facets of society, serving as an important symbol of warning and vigilance. Whether applied to social issues, environmental concerns, or professional fields, the idea of the *miner's canary* underscores the necessity of recognizing early indicators of danger or potential problems. By heeding the lessons learned from the mining industry and the canaries that once played a critical role in ensuring miners' safety, we can develop a heightened awareness of the challenges we face and take the necessary steps to address them.

Example usage

Examples of how the idiom 'miners' canary' can be used in a sentence:

The melting of the polar ice caps is like a miners' canary, warning us of the dangers of climate change.
In the business world, declining sales can act as a miners' canary indicating that there may be larger underlying problems within the company.
The recent increase in forest fires is a miners' canary for the devastating effects of deforestation on our planet.

miners’ canary: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘miners' canary’ mean?

Idiom Explorer

Unmasking a Silent Warning Sign

Example usage

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