English Explanatory Dictionary

once bitten, twice shy

English dictionary entry

Meanings

proverb

One is cautious if one has been hurt in the past.

Pronunciation

En-au-once bitten, twice shy.ogg

Word forms

once bitten, twice shy once burned, twice cautious once burned, twice shy once hurt, twice shy

Synonyms

a burnt child dreads the fire the burnt child dreads the fire a beaten dog may cower before a friendly hand

Related words

gunshy

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