Burn your fingers

usgb
phrase

To suffer from the negative consequences due to one's actions or decisions.

After investing in that failing company, John really burnt his fingers
Visual representation of "burn your fingers" - To suffer from the negative consequences due to one's actions or decisions

Often appears as...

  • burnt his fingers
  • burn your fingers again

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "burn your fingers"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphoric Pain

Imagine a physical burn's pain to grasp how someone feels after a bad decision.

Illustration for Metaphoric Pain
He decided to quit his job impulsively and really burnt his fingers.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Practical Caution

Use it to advise caution based on past mistakes without specifying the details.

Illustration for Practical Caution
Remember when you burnt your fingers last time? Think twice before acting.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Severity Implied

The phrase suggests the consequences were serious enough to teach a memorable lesson.

Illustration for Severity Implied
She really burnt her fingers with that investment – I doubt she'll speculate again.
Visual representation of the word "Burn your fingers"

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