miners' canary
idiomAny thing, especially an organism, whose demise or distress provides an early warning of danger.
- 01
canary fit
A highly emotional state of distress, anger, etc.
- 02
canary in a coal mine
Something 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.
- 03
cat that ate the canary
A person who appears self-satisfied or smug, especially while concealing something mischievous, prohibited, or private.