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The Idiom Attic - a collection of hundreds of English idioms, each one explained.

The meaning of "curiosity killed the cat"

" Curiosity killed the cat "
Meaning:
Being inquisitive can lead you into a dangerous situation.
Example:
I heard a noise outside and went to have a look. It turns out I should have ignored it, it was a bear. Curiosity killed the cat they say.
Where did it originate?:
USA, late 19th century. Probably deriving from a much older British phrase - 'care killed the cat'.
Where is it used?:
Hear the idiom spoken:
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