Would you like to let someone know that they have crossed the line once and you will be more careful to consider their offers in future, or would you just like to point out that caution is always better when approaching somethng a second time? The phrase 'once bitten, twice shy' is a common English saying. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this phrase.
Meaning
The saying 'once bitten, twice shy' is used as a common figurative saying in the English language.
When the phrase is used, it usually means that someone has already been faulted by someone (or something) in a bad way once.
The use of the phrase 'once bitten, twice shy' implies that someone should be more careful when dealing with something (or someone) if they have been through something similar without success before.
The most common way to use the phrase 'once bitten, twice shy' is with the entire phrase intact, although 'once bitten' can be used on its own to imply the meaning of the whole saying.
While less common, a speaker can also say 'twice shy' in response to something to imply the phrase in conversation.
A popular variation of the same phrase is 'once burned, twice shy' that carries the same meaning as the original saying: be more careful when dealing with something you have been unsuccessful at (or hurt by) once.
Example Usage
“I don't know why anyone in their right mind would ever go back to Las Vegas. I mean, he lost his wife in a poker game. You'd think that once bitten...”
“Once bitten, twice shy. That's why he wasn't so sure he wanted to get married twice, even though he liked the guy down at the Inn a lot.”
“I am not falling for that again, I know exactly what that combination of things is going to taste like on a pizza and they cannot convince me that it's a good idea. Once bitten, twice shy.”
“Don't go near sleeping dogs. Once bitten, twice shy. I feel like there's another saying about those there sleeping, though.”
Origin
The origin of the phrase 'once bitten, twice shy' is credited to Chinese Proverbs, a book which was put together by writer William Scarborough in 1875. After the release of the book, this supposed Chinese proverb became more common in English than any other language – and other writers quickly picked up on the phrase.
Modern usage of the phrase forgets its origin, but still keeps the meaning and phrasing of the term unchanged since its first appearance.
It is a phrase that is often used in fiction, including written fiction and series or movies; whether the phrase is shortened to 'once bitten' or the entire phrase is used, the meaning remains the same.
Popular use of the phrase would cause the saying's translation into other languages, where it is used as a figurative phrase with the same meaning in some languages (e.g. French). Many other languages do not carry a direct equivalent of the saying.
Phrases Similar to Once Bitten Twice Shy
- Once Burned Twice Shy
- Fool Me Once, Shame On Me
Phrases Opposite to Once Bitten Twice Shy
- N/a
What is the Correct Saying?
- Once bitten, twice shy
Ways People May Say Once Bitten Twice Shy Incorrectly
There are several ways in which the phrase 'once bitten, twice shy' can be used in the wrong context, or its meaning misunderstood when it is said.
The phrase is figurative, and means that someone should be more careful with something (or someone) if they have had a prior bad experience.
In languages where the phrase has not been translated, its use could lead to confusion.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Once Bitten Twice Shy
The right way to use the phrase 'once bitten, twice shy' is to use it as a reference that says someone should be careful with something if they have had a previous bad experience.
The phrase can be said in reference to something/someone, or said directly to someone.
The phrase can be shortened to 'once bitten' to imply the rest of its meaning.