Curiosity killed the cat
Significado: Being too inquisitive can be dangerous
A warning that excessive curiosity or prying can lead to trouble. Often used to discourage someone from asking too many questions or investigating things they shouldn't.
Ejemplos
- Why do you want to know? Curiosity killed the cat. 你为什么想知道？好奇心害死猫¿Por qué quieres saberlo? La curiosidad mató al gatoなぜ知りたいの？好奇心は身を滅ぼすよ왜 알고 싶은 거야? 호기심이 화를 부른다니까.
- I wouldn't go looking into that—curiosity killed the cat. 我不会去查那件事的——好奇心害死猫Yo no indagaría en eso: la curiosidad mató al gatoそれは調べない方がいい——好奇心は身を滅ぼすよ그건 알아보지 않는 게 좋겠어—호기심이 화를 부른다니까.
- Remember, curiosity killed the cat. 记住，好奇心害死猫Recuerda, la curiosidad mató al gato忘れるな、好奇心は身を滅ぼす잊지 마, 호기심이 화를 부른다.
Pronunciación
/kjʊəriˈɒsɪti kɪld ðə kæt/
Guía de uso
Contexto: warnings, nosy behavior, secrets
Tono: warning, slightly threatening
✓ Correcto
- Curiosity killed the cat好奇心害死猫La curiosidad mató al gato好奇心は身を滅ぼす호기심이 화를 부른다
- Remember, curiosity killed the cat记住，好奇心害死猫Recuerda, la curiosidad mató al gato好奇心は猫をも殺すことを忘れるな호기심이 화를 부르는 법이야
✗ Incorrecto
- Often followed by 'but satisfaction brought it back'后面常跟着'but satisfaction brought it back（但满足感又把猫带了回来）'A menudo le sigue 'but satisfaction brought it back' (pero la satisfacción lo resucitó)「but satisfaction brought it back（でも満足感が猫を生き返らせた）」と続くことが多い'but satisfaction brought it back'이 뒤에 붙기도 함
Errores comunes
- Not knowing the full version with 'satisfaction'
Origen e historia
The original proverb was 'care killed the cat' (where 'care' meant worry). This appeared in the 16th century. The 'curiosity' version emerged in the late 19th century, possibly because cats are naturally curious.
Etimología: Originally 'care killed the cat' (worry)
Primera vez registrado: Current version late 19th century
Contexto cultural
Era: 19th century onwards
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
Pop culture: Very common proverb
Regional notes: Universal across English-speaking world.
Variaciones
Frases relacionadas
Más de este tema
More from Common Expressions
Tarjetas, cuestionarios, audio y repetición espaciada — todo gratis