Once bitten, twice shy.
[Idiom] ONCE BITTEN, TWICE SHY. - Learn From Past Mistakes to Avoid Future Harm
be cautious from past harm
The idiom 'Once bitten, twice shy' is based on a simple truth: an unpleasant experience induces caution. If you imagine a child touching a hot stove (the bite), the burn teaches them to hesitate next time (shy). This idiom reflects human nature's instinct to avoid repeating painful or harmful experiences, emphasizing the lasting impact of first encounters.
Example Sentences
After the bad deal, he became once bitten, twice shy.
After a bad experience, he became very cautious.
She is once bitten, twice shy about trusting new colleagues.
She is very cautious about trusting new colleagues after a bad experience.
His cautious approach in relationships is a case of once bitten, twice shy.
His cautious approach in relationships is due to a previous bad experience.
