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Region: General | Usage example: After the failed launch, the team was once bitten, twice shy.

Once bitten, twice shy

Meaning

Hesitant to try again after a bad experience.

Usage

Used for caution following mistakes or risks.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Likely drawn from animal bites that make defenders wary.

Proverbial warning from the 17th century about learning from hurt.

Related Idioms

Once in a blue moon

Very rarely.

Once in a lifetime

Extremely rare or unique.

Lightning never strikes twice

Very rare events usually don't repeat.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.