Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

These problems were the canaries in what proved to be a very deep financial coal mine.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

Doji candles in January and May 2018 served as canaries in the coal mine, guiding investors to anticipate a large drawdown.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

Viacom were like the canaries in the coal mine because our younger audiences were the first to really start turning towards the internet.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 13, 2025

Since California and New York are two of the biggest states in the country by GDP, “they may be canaries in the coal mine,” he added.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 11, 2025

“Oh, yes—miners used to bring canaries with them to gauge oxygen levels in the mine. If the canary died, they knew the oxygen was running out and they’d better get out of there.”

From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart