Phrases with «proverbial canary»

The phrase "proverbial canary" refers to a situation where someone acts as a warning sign or indicator for potential problems or dangers that may arise. It comes from the idea of a canary being used in old coal mines, as they were sensitive to the presence of dangerous gases. So, when someone is referred to as the "proverbial canary," they are seen as a symbol for being alert to potential trouble. Full definition

proverbial canary

Sentences with «proverbial canary»

In many ways Iceland is the tip of the iceberg — the proverbial canary in the coalmine showing the need to better cope with over-indebted economies. (michael-hudson.com)
Because of their vulnerability, frogs and salamanders are frequently the first animals to succumb to environmental degradation, and thus are now looked upon as the ecological equivalent of the proverbial canary in the mine shaft. (discovermagazine.com)
Like the proverbial canaries in a coal mine, many of the nation's farmers will be tested. (scientificamerican.com)
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Phrases with «proverbial canary»

Sentences with «proverbial canary»

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