Curiosity killed the cat

usgb
phrase

Warning that snooping into other people's affairs may get you into trouble.

Remember, curiosity killed the cat, so don't go asking too many questions about his past.
Visual representation of "curiosity killed the cat" - Warning that snooping into other people's affairs may get you into trouble

Often appears as...

  • inquiry can lead to danger
  • better to remain ignorant

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "curiosity killed the cat"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Context Matters

Used when questioning might cause trouble. Not used for general advice against curiosity.

Illustration for Context Matters
Curiosity killed the cat—don't dig into the boss's personal life.
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Figurative Warning

It's a figurative saying, meaning curiosity can lead to trouble, not literal death.

Illustration for Figurative Warning
Be careful with those files; curiosity killed the cat.
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Avoid Nosiness

Emphasizes the risks of being overly nosy or intrusive.

Illustration for Avoid Nosiness
He learned that curiosity killed the cat after his probing questions got him fired.
Visual representation of the word "Curiosity killed the cat"

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