phrase
General Slang
canary in the coal mine
kuh-NAIR-ee in thuh KOHL MYN · phrase · informal
An early warning sign of trouble.
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Definitions
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An early indicator that signals a larger problem is coming.
“Rising support tickets were the canary in the coal mine.”
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canary in the coal mine In A Sentence
Rising support tickets were the canary in the coal mine.
Origin & Usage
From miners carrying canaries to detect toxic gas.
Variants
canary in the coalmine
People Also Ask
What does 'canary in the coal mine' mean?
It refers to an early warning sign that a larger problem is on the way, before it becomes obvious to everyone.
Where does the phrase come from?
Miners once carried canaries underground because the birds were more sensitive to toxic gases, giving early warning of danger.
How is it used at work?
To flag an early indicator of trouble, e.g. 'A dip in renewals was the canary in the coal mine for churn.'
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