What does “Burn your fingers” mean?
"Burn your fingers" means to experience negative consequences or get into trouble by getting involved in something that is risky or dangerous.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He decided to invest all his savings in that risky business and ended up burning his fingers.
Example
She thought she could handle the dangerous situation, but she burned her fingers in the end.
Example
The company took on a risky project and burned their fingers when it failed
Is “Burn your fingers” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Burn your fingers” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Burn your fingers” effectively in context?
You can use "Burn your fingers" to describe a situation where someone experiences negative consequences or gets into trouble by getting involved in something that is risky or dangerous. It emphasizes the idea of learning a lesson the hard way. For example, if a friend is considering investing in a risky business, you might say, 'Be careful, you don't want to burn your fingers like John did.'
- 1Investments
He decided to invest all his savings in that risky business and ended up burning his fingers.
- 2Dangerous Situations
She thought she could handle the dangerous situation, but she burned her fingers in the end.
- 3Business Ventures
The company took on a risky project and burned their fingers when it failed.
Similar phrases to “Burn your fingers”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Burn your fingers” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Burn your fingers" is unknown.
Is “Burn your fingers” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Burn your fingers" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to warn others about the potential negative consequences of engaging in risky or dangerous activities.
What tone does “Burn your fingers” have?
"Burn your fingers" conveys a tone of caution and warning. It's often used to highlight the importance of being careful and avoiding unnecessary risks.
Can “Burn your fingers” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "burn your fingers" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of experiencing negative consequences due to risky or dangerous actions. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He decided to invest in that risky business and ended up burning his fingers.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Be careful, you don't want to "burn your fingers"!' to imply the potential negative consequences of a risky action.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- face the music
- suffer the consequences
- pay the price
- learn the hard way
- experience a setback
Antonyms
- play it safe
- avoid risks
- stay out of trouble
- make wise choices
- learn from others' mistakes
