Once bitten, twice shy.
Once bitten, twice shy.
Meaning in plain English
The saying follows one bite with doubled caution. It describes reluctance after an unpleasant experience.
Example
Someone considers how a past setback relates to a new opportunity instead of assuming the situations are identical.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The count intensifies a response rather than measuring it. A useful reading can acknowledge caution while asking whether the new situation is actually similar. It does not diagnose fear or establish that every earlier disappointment requires permanent avoidance.
When to use it
Use it to discuss caution informed by experience with differences checked.
Keep in mind
No uniform emotional response or need for permanent avoidance is established.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- Contributor-provided proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 658; PDF page 95
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