The idiom “Once bitten, twice shy” means that after experiencing a negative or harmful event, a person becomes more cautious or careful in the future to avoid the same mistake or discomfort. Essentially, after facing a bad experience, a person is less likely to repeat the same mistake, as they are now aware of the consequences.
Implies learning from past mistakes Describes the feeling of being cautious or careful after a bad experience Can be used to show how fear or pain leads to more precaution Highlights the tendency to avoid risky situations after previous harm or disappointment
Hindi Equivalent:
“एक बार डर, बार-बार सावधानी”
(यह वाक्यांश उस स्थिति को व्यक्त करता है जब कोई व्यक्ति एक बुरा अनुभव लेने के बाद, भविष्य में उसी स्थिति से बचने के लिए सावधान रहता है।)
Detailed Explanation
The idiom “Once bitten, twice shy” comes from the idea that if a person has been bitten or hurt by something once, they are more likely to be careful or hesitant the next time they face a similar situation. It’s often used to explain how a bad experience leads to avoidance or fear of repeating that experience.
The idiom has a universal application and can be used in many different contexts, such as relationships, personal decisions, or even business dealings. If someone has been hurt by a certain situation—like a bad investment, a difficult relationship, or an embarrassing moment—they might avoid similar situations in the future to protect themselves from further harm.
This idiom highlights how human nature tends to be cautious after having suffered a setback, as people naturally want to avoid repeating mistakes that have caused them pain, disappointment, or failure.
When to Use the Idiom
- When someone becomes cautious or hesitant after having a negative experience.
- When explaining why a person is avoiding a certain situation or person due to past pain or disappointment.
- To describe someone who has learned from a previous mistake and is now more careful or guarded.
- When someone’s previous bad experience has led them to be extra cautious in the future.
Real-Life Examples
In Personal Life:
English: “After his first failed business venture, he’s once bitten, twice shy when it comes to investments.”
Hindi: “पहली बार अपने व्यापार में असफल होने के बाद, वह निवेश के मामले में एक बार डर, बार-बार सावधानी रखता है।”
In Relationships:
English: “She’s been hurt in the past, and now she’s once bitten, twice shy when it comes to trusting people.”
Hindi: “वह अतीत में चोट खा चुकी है, और अब वह लोगों पर विश्वास करने में एक बार डर, बार-बार सावधानी रखती है।”
In Professional Life:
English: “After his last project failed, he’s once bitten, twice shy and is being extra careful with his new team.”
Hindi: “अपने पिछले प्रोजेक्ट में असफल होने के बाद, वह अब एक बार डर, बार-बार सावधानी बरतता है और अपनी नई टीम के साथ बेहद सावधान है।”
Psychological & Social Insight
Why This Term Matters:
The idiom “Once bitten, twice shy” reflects a natural defense mechanism that many people experience after a negative event. It suggests that painful experiences can help people become more careful and wise moving forward. While it’s important to learn from past mistakes, it’s also crucial not to let fear or caution hold you back from new opportunities.
On the flip side, this idiom also highlights how past experiences shape our present behavior. For some, the fear of being hurt again can make them overly cautious, leading to missed opportunities or a lack of growth. The challenge is finding the balance between learning from mistakes and being open to new experiences.
Benefits of Using This Idiom
- Emphasizes the importance of learning from past mistakes.
- Encourages caution and carefulness after a bad experience.
- Helps explain why people might be hesitant or reserved after a negative event.
- Highlights the natural human tendency to avoid repeated harm.
- Warns others to be cautious, especially if they have faced difficult or disappointing situations in the past.
Usage Tips Use this idiom when someone is being cautious or hesitant due to a negative experience. It’s ideal for situations where someone is guarded or careful because they’ve been hurt before. Use it when fear or past mistakes are influencing someone’s decisions. Avoid using it in situations where the person is being cautious due to genuine concern rather than fear.
Similar Expressions
| English | Hindi |
|---|---|
| Once bitten, twice shy | एक बार डर, बार-बार सावधानी |
| Learn from your mistakes | अपनी गलतियों से सीखो |
| Fool me once, shame on you | एक बार धोखा दो, शर्म तुमको आएगी |
| A lesson learned | एक सीखा हुआ पाठ |
| Don’t make the same mistake twice | वही गलती दोबारा मत करना |
Cultural Perspectives
Western Context:
In Western cultures, “Once bitten, twice shy” is a commonly used idiom, particularly when referring to caution after experiencing failure or harm. It speaks to the importance of learning from the past and using those lessons to avoid making the same mistakes again. It’s often used in business and relationships, where people are reluctant to repeat mistakes after suffering consequences.
Indian Context:
In India, this idiom resonates with the idea of learning from past mistakes and becoming more cautious. People often say this after a person has faced failure or disappointment, to explain why they are now acting carefully. In Indian culture, caution after suffering is often seen as a way to protect oneself and avoid the same pain in the future.
Global Relevance:
The concept of becoming careful after a bad experience is universal. Whether in work, relationships, or personal decisions, the fear of making the same mistake again is something that transcends borders. The idiom “Once bitten, twice shy” is widely understood across various cultures, as everyone experiences setbacks and learns to be more careful afterward.
Reflection Questions
- Have you ever been bitten by an experience that made you shy to try again?
- How do you balance learning from mistakes and taking risks in the future?
- Do you believe that being too cautious can hold you back from new opportunities?
- In what areas of your life can fear from the past make you more careful or hesitant?
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