What does “Once bitten, twice shy” mean?
"Once bitten, twice shy" means being cautious or hesitant to do something again after having a negative experience with it in the past.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After getting food poisoning from that restaurant, I'm once bitten, twice shy about eating there again.
Example
He got cheated on in his last relationship, so he's once bitten, twice shy about trusting people now.
Example
She invested in a risky business venture that failed, and now she's once bitten, twice shy about investing in anything else
Is “Once bitten, twice shy” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Once bitten, twice shy” 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 “Once bitten, twice shy” effectively in context?
You can use "Once bitten, twice shy" to describe a situation where someone becomes more cautious or hesitant after a negative experience. It emphasizes the idea that past negative experiences can influence future behavior. For example, if a friend is hesitant to try a new restaurant because they had a bad experience at a different restaurant, you might say, 'I understand why you're hesitant, but remember, "once bitten, twice shy". Give it a chance, it might surprise you.'
- 1Relationships
After going through a painful breakup, she's once bitten, twice shy. She's now more cautious about entering into new relationships.
- 2Financial Decisions
After losing money in a risky investment, he's once bitten, twice shy. He's now more hesitant to take financial risks.
- 3Career Choices
After a negative experience at a previous job, she's once bitten, twice shy. She's now more careful when considering new job opportunities.
Similar phrases to “Once bitten, twice shy”:
This phrase means that if someone deceives or takes advantage of you once, it's their fault, but if it happens again, it's your own fault for not learning from the first experience.
Example
He fell for the same scam twice. As they say, 'Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.'
This phrase has the same meaning as 'Once bitten, twice shy.' It suggests that after a negative experience, people may be more cautious or hesitant to try again.
Example
After being cheated by her ex-boyfriend, she's once burned, twice shy. She's now more cautious about entering into new relationships.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Once bitten, twice shy” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Once bitten, twice shy" is unknown.
Is “Once bitten, twice shy” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Once bitten, twice shy" is a common proverb used in everyday conversation. People often use it to explain their cautious or hesitant behavior after a negative experience.
What tone does “Once bitten, twice shy” have?
"Once bitten, twice shy" conveys a tone of caution and wariness. It suggests that it's natural to be more cautious after a negative experience and encourages people to learn from their past mistakes.
Can “Once bitten, twice shy” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Once bitten, twice shy" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a widely recognized proverb that conveys the idea of being cautious after a negative experience. 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, 'After being scammed once, she's once bitten, twice shy.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Once bitten, twice shy' to imply caution or hesitation.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- learn from one's mistakes
- be cautious after a negative experience
- be wary of repeating past mistakes
- exercise caution after a negative experience
- be hesitant after a negative experience
Antonyms
- take risks without hesitation
- be fearless after a negative experience
- repeat past mistakes without caution
- ignore the lessons from a negative experience
- be overly trusting after a negative experience
