Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

once-bitten-twice-shy

idiom

/wʌns ˈbɪtən twaɪs ʃaɪ/

Definition

A saying that means after experiencing a negative event, a person is more cautious in similar situations.

Examples

After having his heart broken, he became once-bitten-twice-shy and avoided serious relationships.
She was once-bitten-twice-shy when it came to investing after a previous financial loss.

Meaning

The phrase suggests that once someone has been hurt or disappointed once, they will be hesitant or wary to engage in that situation again in the future.