answersLogoWhite

0

The original quote was actually "care killed the cat". It is believed to be an early reference to a cat having 9 lives.

The origin of the quote is disputed between two English playwrights and a Scottish writer.

  • Ben Johnson's play called "Every Man in His Humour" written in 1598, used the original quote. The quote was: "Helter skelter, hang sorrow, care will kill a cat, up-tails all, and a pox on the hangman".
  • The second claim is that is came from Shakespeare's play, "Much ado about nothing", written in 1599. The quote was: "What, courage man! what though care killed a cat, thou hast mettle enough in thee to kill care."
Both plays were released to the public around the same time.
  • Later, a Scottish writer called James Allan Mair wrote a book about British proverbs in 1873. In error, he wrote the quote as "curiosity killed the cat" instead of "care killed the cat".

So, as you can see, the origin of this quote is a difficult one to pinpoint.

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Zoology

What is the ending to curiosity killed the cat?

But satisfaction brought it back


What does the saying 'curiosity killed the cat' mean?

"Curiosity killed the cat" means that curiosity bits everyone and they want to know what is happening or what is going to happen next. so dont go wondering around cause youll end up getting cuaght, or you can end up getting hurt.


What is the meaning of the idiom 'Curiosity killed the cat'?

The idiom 'Curiosity killed the cat' means that being too inquisitive or nosy can lead to trouble or harm. It serves as a cautionary reminder to not be overly curious or meddlesome in situations that could be dangerous or harmful.


What type of fallacy is cats are just like people they're intensely curious and they get into trouble as a result of their curiosity?

The fallacy of cats being like people with intense curiosity is the phrase, "curiosity killed the cat". Cats are very curious animals by nature and oftentimes will get in trouble due to their curiosity.


Where did the idiom curiosity killed the cat come from?

The idiom "curiosity killed the cat" suggests that inquisitive behavior can lead to trouble or danger. Its origins trace back to the late 19th century, with the earliest recorded use appearing in a 1902 play by British playwright Ben Hecht. The phrase likely evolved from an earlier proverb, "Care killed the cat," where "care" referred to worry or sorrow, emphasizing that excessive concern could lead to harm. Over time, the phrase shifted focus to curiosity, encapsulating the idea that being too inquisitive may lead to negative consequences.

Related Questions