Etymology Journal ยท O
Once bitten, twice shy
Meaning
- If you have been hurt or burned by something in the past, you are much more cautious about doing it again. It is a lesson learned the hard way.
Cautious, wise
Used in a sentence
- I lost money on that stock before, so once bitten twice shy.
- She was hurt in her last relationship, so she is once bitten twice shy about dating again.
- I do not want to go back to that restaurant because once bitten twice shy.
The backstory
This proverb has existed in various forms since the 16th century. It plays on the idea that an animal, such as a dog, that has been bitten will avoid the thing that bit it in the future.
Heard in
Nationwide
Vibe check