idiom
Once Bitten, Twice Shy
WUNS BIT-en TWICE SHY
/wʌns ˈbɪtən twaɪs ʃaɪ/Listen
Hear it in a clear American voice. Slow it down to catch each syllable.
Syllable breakdown
Oncebittentwiceshy
Dictionary meaning
After an unpleasant experience, one is cautious about the same situation again.
Examples
- She won't invest in startups again — once bitten, twice shy.
Pronunciation tips
Stress on 'bit', 'twice', and 'shy'.
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