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Definition 2024
once_bitten,_twice_shy
once bitten, twice shy
English
Alternative forms
- once burned, twice shy
- once hurt, twice shy
Proverb
Synonyms
- a burnt child dreads the fire
- the burnt child dreads the fire
- A beaten dog may cower before a friendly hand.
- Bitten by a snake on one morning, afraid of the rope by the well for ten years.
Translations
one is cautious in the future if hurt in the past
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References
- Gregory Y. Titelman, Random House Dictionary of Popular Proverbs and Sayings, 1996, ISBN 0-679-44554-4, p. 261.