care killed the cat
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
Synonym of curiosity killed the cat.
Register: archaic
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Too much worry is a mental burden.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “care killed the cat” mean?
Synonym of curiosity killed the cat.
Is “care killed the cat” formal or informal?
care killed the cat is generally archaic.