General
canary in the coal mine
What does canary in the coal mine mean?
An early indicator that signals a larger problem is coming.
"Rising support tickets were the canary in the coal mine."
Origin
From miners carrying canaries to detect toxic gas.
Frequently asked questions
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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