What does “The scalded dog fears cold water.” mean?
"The scalded dog fears cold water" means that a person who has had a bad experience is more cautious in the future.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After getting scammed, he became very cautious with his investments. The scalded dog fears cold water.
Example
She was cheated on in her previous relationship, so now she has trust issues. The scalded dog fears cold water.
Example
Once bitten, twice shy. The scalded dog fears cold water. He learned his lesson the hard way
Is “The scalded dog fears cold water.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“The scalded dog fears cold water.” 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 “The scalded dog fears cold water.” effectively in context?
You can use "The scalded dog fears cold water" to describe someone who has had a bad experience and is now more cautious or hesitant in similar situations. It emphasizes the idea that past negative experiences can influence future behavior. For example, if a friend is reluctant to try online dating after a bad breakup, you might say, 'I understand why you're hesitant, but remember, the scalded dog fears cold water.'
- 1Relationships
After being cheated on in her previous relationship, she finds it hard to trust again. The scalded dog fears cold water.
- 2Investments
After losing a significant amount of money in a scam, he became very cautious with his investments. The scalded dog fears cold water.
- 3Taking risks
Having experienced failure before, he is now more hesitant to take risks. The scalded dog fears cold water.
Similar phrases to “The scalded dog fears cold water.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “The scalded dog fears cold water.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "The scalded dog fears cold water" is unknown.
Is “The scalded dog fears cold water.” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "The scalded dog fears cold water" is not as common as other proverbs, but it is still used in everyday conversation. It may be more familiar to native English speakers or those who are familiar with English proverbs.
What tone does “The scalded dog fears cold water.” have?
"The scalded dog fears cold water" conveys a tone of caution and wariness. It suggests that it is natural for someone to be cautious or hesitant after a negative experience.
Can “The scalded dog fears cold water.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "The scalded dog fears cold water" is relatively informal and can be used in casual conversations. It may not be suitable for very formal or professional settings.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'After getting scammed, he became very cautious with his investments. The scalded dog fears cold water.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, the scalded dog fears cold water.' to imply the need for caution.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- once bitten, twice shy
- a burnt child dreads the fire
- fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me
- learn from past mistakes
- be cautious after a negative experience
Antonyms
- take risks without hesitation
- trust blindly
- ignore past experiences
- be naive
- repeat the same mistakes
