English · Emotions & Feelings
once bitten twice shy
/wʌns ˈbɪt.n̩ twaɪs ʃaɪ/
[/wʌns ˈbɪt.n̩ twaɪs ʃaɪ/]
cautious after harm
Advancedphrase
Definition
Being cautious about something after a previous bad experience.
Example
After losing money on that scheme, he's wary of any investment now; once bitten, twice shy.
After losing money on that scheme, he's wary of any investment now; once bitten, twice shy.
Etymology
A 19th-century proverb from the idea that an animal bitten once becomes wary of being hurt again.
How & Where It’s Used
Common for explaining caution born of past harm.