How do you use "Curiosity killed the cat" in a sentence?

Why do you want to know? Curiosity killed the cat. I wouldn't go looking into that—curiosity killed the cat. Remember, curiosity killed the cat.

Curiosity killed the cat

Q: What does "Curiosity killed the cat" mean?

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.

Slang Term BritishAmericanAustralian ★★★★★ Very Common Casual

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Meaning: Being too inquisitive can be dangerous

好奇心害死猫

Ser demasiado curioso puede ser peligroso

好奇心は身を滅ぼす

호기심이 화를 부른다

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.

警告过度好奇或刺探可能会招来麻烦。常用于劝阻某人不要问太多问题或调查不该调查的事情。

Una advertencia de que la curiosidad excesiva o el fisgoneo pueden acarrear problemas. Se usa a menudo para disuadir a alguien de hacer demasiadas preguntas o investigar cosas que no debería.

過度の好奇心や詮索は厄介なことにつながるという警告。質問しすぎたり、首を突っ込むべきでないことを調べたりする人を思いとどまらせるためによく使われる。

지나친 호기심이나 참견이 문제를 일으킬 수 있다는 경고. 누군가가 너무 많은 질문을 하거나 알아서는 안 될 일을 조사하는 것을 말릴 때 자주 사용된다.

Examples

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.

Pronunciation

/kjʊəriˈɒsɪti kɪld ðə kæt/

Usage Guide

Context: warnings, nosy behavior, secrets

Tone: warning, slightly threatening

✓ Do Say

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

✗ Don't Say

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

Common Mistakes

Not knowing the full version with 'satisfaction'

Origin & History

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.

Etymology: Originally 'care killed the cat' (worry)

First recorded: Current version late 19th century

Cultural Context

Era: 19th century onwards

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal

Pop culture: Very common proverb

Regional notes: Universal across English-speaking world.

Variations

Curiosity killed the catCuriosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back