“Curiosity killed the cat” is a short and simple idiom used to tell nosy children to stop wondering and inquisitive spirits to stop dreaming. The original owner of the proverb is not even known, though William Shakespeare is often credited for increasing its popularity. But what if the meaning of this four-word phrase was completely different? What would happen if the true proverb had five more words that served to ignite the curious capabilities of society rather than extinguish them? The phrase “curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back” tells wandering minds to keep looking for the answers to their questions. It tells people to fight to understand instead of allowing the cat to “get your tongue.” A simple phrase twisted so easily to mean an entirely different thing is exactly what makes idioms so interesting. Despite this, the power of the idiom still remains overlooked in the world outside of an English classroom.

Idioms are layered and complex techniques that add depth to a speech, poem, or just everyday conversation. They consist of phrases that hold a meaning separate from the literal words being used, creating spaces for wordplay and creativity. Experienced poets enjoy using idioms within poetry because of their utility in elevating the meaning of a phrase. The purpose of an idiom is to amplify the meaning of something. It forces others to think twice about intentions and significance. The crudeness of “stabbing someone in the back” matches the violent feeling evoked by a betrayal — the feeling of “losing your touch” is much more complex than simply becoming untalented. Idioms can also be used to convey lessons. When Robert Frost wrote his famous poem “Nothing Gold Can Stay” to show the fleeting nature of innocence, his words contain more depth than they seem at face value. 

Over the centuries, as literature has thrived and grown, certain parts of the meanings of idioms can shift. This does not only apply to “curiosity killed the cat.” Another example is “blood is thicker than water”; this is an honored phrase used to show the love that family members can provide for one another, yet the original phrase was meant to demonstrate the positive impacts that are found in a “chosen family” situation. Scottish novelist Sir Walter Scott wrote in his 1815 novel, Guy Mannering, that “Blood of the covenant is thicker than water of the womb.” Sir Walter Scott was trying to deliver the exact opposite message than the now-common idiom; a promise from a chosen friend can hold more weight than that of a detached family member. Although it may seem strange at first, this full idiom can be comforting to those who have families that aren’t there for them. The distorted version may seem wrong because its meaning has been reinterpreted over time, the distortion shows shifting social attitudes within the generations that edited it. This means that from idioms, society can learn more about the people that came before them. 

Furthermore, idioms carry stories behind them, representing decades of humanity in their words from people passing down the meanings and the lessons ingrained in them. So many mothers whisper how every cloud has a silver lining to comfort their frustrated children. For centuries, performers tell each other to break a leg in hopes that their co-stars do well on the stage. And of course, in the modern day, Adele reminds the whole world not to worry and let their troubles be like “water under the bridge.” Idioms also come from a multitude of cultures and represent hundreds of people of every language and dialect. Every language has its own idioms that tell a beautiful story through its own words. “Estás de mala leche?” literally means to be “of spoiled milk” in Spanish, but figuratively it means to be in a bad mood. It can be used as a lighthearted way to segue into heavier topics. 

Idioms are only a dialect of the broad aspects of the only universal language: figurative language. Individual words provide a way of forging connections between people, and it is important that all people everywhere are taught this connection. English classes are important after these connections are established, and in locations in the world where education is still scarce, the light of learning about simple connections like idioms is stripped away. The importance of classes should not be overlooked by the fortunate when many around the world lack access to such educational opportunities. Feeding curious minds is a need after discovering all the power that the short proverbs can have over lives. So, instead of being scared to ask important questions at any moment, remember that curiosity may have killed the cat — but satisfaction brought it back.