Once bitten twice shy
Meaning
Having been hurt or disappointed by something once, one becomes very careful to avoid a similar situation in the future.
Origin
The phrase captures the universal lesson learned from pain, often drawing an analogy from the behavior of a dog. A dog that has been bitten or hurt by another creature will subsequently be wary and avoid similar encounters. The earliest recorded variations, such as "Once bit, twice fright" or "Once bit, twice wary," appeared in English literature as far back as the 17th century, but the more familiar "Once bitten, twice shy" gained prominence and widespread use by the 19th century. It vividly illustrates how a single negative experience can permanently alter one's approach to similar situations, turning natural curiosity into ingrained caution.
Examples
- After losing all her savings in that risky investment, she became once bitten twice shy and only invested in very secure options.
- He refused to try skydiving again; once bitten twice shy after his parachute almost failed last time.