Canary
/kəˈnɛəɹi/
adjective1
noun1
forms
Canaries
Phrases with Canary
- canary fitA highly emotional state of distress, anger, etc.
- canary in a coal mineSomething whose sensitivity to adverse conditions makes it a useful early indicator of such conditions; something which warns of the coming of a greater danger or trouble by a deterioration in its health or welfare.
- cat that ate the canaryA person who appears self-satisfied or smug, especially while concealing something mischievous, prohibited, or private.
- miners' canaryA caged bird kept caged in mines because its demise provided a warning of dangerous levels of toxic gases.