Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
to get your fingers burned
idiom
/tə ɡɛt jʊər ˈfɪŋɡərz bɜrnd/
Definition
To suffer negative consequences from an action, particularly when that action was risky or involved one’s emotions or investments.
Examples
- After investing all his savings in that failing company, he realized he was going to get his fingers burned.
- She decided to lend her friend money, but after being turned down, she felt like she had gotten her fingers burned.
- He was warned about the risks, but he didn’t listen and now knows what it means to get his fingers burned.
Meaning
This phrase often refers to the experience of learning a lesson the hard way, especially after taking a chance that didn’t pan out as hoped.
Synonyms
- to learn the hard way
- to reap what you sow
- to pay the price
