Meaning of the word "once bitten, twice shy" in English

What does "once bitten, twice shy" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

once bitten, twice shy

US /wʌns ˈbɪt.ən twaɪs ʃaɪ/
UK /wʌns ˈbɪt.ən twaɪs ʃaɪ/
"once bitten, twice shy" picture

Idiom

said when you are frightened to do something again because you had an unpleasant experience doing it the first time

Example:
I'm not going to invest in that company again; once bitten, twice shy.
After his first marriage ended in a messy divorce, he's very hesitant to date again—once bitten, twice shy.