Choose the meaning of the underlined idiomatic phrase: The stories of senior citizens in distressed economic conditions because of defaulted student loans are merely the canary in the coal mine. [Washington Post]
Answer: Harbinger of serious problem
Explanation
The correct meaning is: "Harbinger of serious problem."
The phrase "canary in the coal mine" refers to an early warning or indicator of a larger issue.
In this context, it means that the stories of seniors with economic distress due to student loans signal a broader, more serious problem.
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