Question

‘A canary in the coal mine’ is a popular phrase to describe early signs of potential danger.

Coal miners in places like Arunachal Pradesh used canary birds to detect the presence of carbon monoxide. Such gases are a potential risk to the life of the miners. These little birds are particularly sensitive to carbon monoxide and can prevent mining accidents.

Answer 1

The phrase ‘a canary in the coal mine’ means an early warning sign of possible danger.

In the past, miners carried canaries into coal mines because these birds are very sensitive to poisonous gases such as carbon monoxide. If the canary became weak or fainted, it warned the miners that the air was unsafe and that they should leave quickly.