Once bitten, twice shy
phrase
If you are hurt or have a bad experience once, you will be careful to avoid it happening again.
After losing a lot of money in a business deal, he has stayed away from investing. It's a case of once bitten, twice shy.
Often appears as...
- she's once bitten
- twice shy
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
If you are hurt or have a bad experience once, you will be careful to avoid it happening again.
After losing a lot of money in a business deal, he has stayed away from investing. It's a case of once bitten, twice shy.
Often appears as...
- she's once bitten
- twice shy
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Impact
The phrase often implies strong feelings from a past negative experience affecting current behavior.
He no longer rides motorcycles; once bitten, twice shy.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
It's a metaphorical expression. No actual biting is involved; it refers to any kind of bad experience.
After a painful breakup, she stopped dating—once bitten, twice shy.
Pro Tip 3/3Common Usage
Used to suggest someone has become more cautious due to a previous negative outcome.
He double-checks all his work now; once bitten, twice shy.
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