once bitten, twice shy

idiom

used to mean that a person who has failed or been hurt when trying to do something is careful or fearful about doing it again

Dictionary Entries Near once bitten, twice shy

Cite this Entry

“Once bitten, twice shy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/once%20bitten%2C%20twice%20shy. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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