English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Once bitten, twice shy
Meaning
The idiom "once bitten, twice shy" means that someone who has had a negative experience is more likely to be cautious or hesitant in the future. The phrase can be interpreted as a metaphor for someone who has been stung by a snake once and is therefore more reluctant to approach another snake.
Usage
- After being scammed out of $50, Sarah became extremely cautious about giving her personal information online. She was once bitten, twice shy.
- When John received a bad review for his restaurant, he became even more determined to improve the quality of his dishes. He learned from his mistakes and didn't let one negative experience hold him back.
- After being rejected by several publishers for her first novel, Emily became even more determined to perfect her writing skills. She was once bitten, twice shy.
- When Mark failed his driving test, he became even more nervous about taking it again. He didn't want to be stung by the same snake twice.
- After being mugged on the street, Sarah became much more aware of her surroundings and became more cautious when walking alone at night. She was once bitten, twice shy.
Roots and History
The idiom "once bitten, twice shy" dates back to the 18th century and has its roots in folklore and mythology. The phrase is believed to have originated from the story of Aesop's Fables, where a fox who was once bitten by a snake learned to be careful around other snakes. Over time, the idiom has become more commonly used as a metaphor for someone who has had a negative experience and is therefore more cautious in the future. The phrase can be used in various contexts, such as personal relationships, business, or even politics.
Synonyms in English
- Learn from mistakes
- Don't repeat the same mistake
- Be careful not to make the same mistake again
- Don't get bitten twice by the same snake
- Be wary of repeating past mistakes
Synonyms in other languages
- In French, the idiom "une fois mordu par une vipère" translates to "once bitten by a viper." It has the same meaning as the English idiom.
- In Spanish, the idiom "una vez se ha caído de una cosa" translates to "one fall from something." It can be used to express caution or hesitancy after experiencing a negative event.
- In Italian, the idiom "se ne è andata un volta" translates to "if you've gone there once." It is often used to describe someone who has experienced a negative event but is not willing to repeat it.
- In German, the idiom "zu zweimal klar sein" translates to "to be twice as clear." It can be used to express caution or hesitancy after experiencing a negative event.
- In Russian, the idiom "есть одну разу в жизни" translates to "eat once in a lifetime." It is often used to describe a unique or special experience that one should not take for granted.