What does “once bitten, twice shy” mean?
“Once bitten, twice shy” means a bad first try causes a cautious second try. This expression is usually said as an explanation for someone’s reluctance to try again. It can be said either sadly or bitterly as someone remembers their initial bad experience. After a tough breakup, someone might say, “Once bitten, twice shy.” sadly to explain why they’re hesitant to start dating again. If a friendship ended up on bad terms, but one party wants to meet up to apologize, the other person might refuse bitterly by saying, “You won’t catch me anywhere near them. Once bitten, twice shy.”
Origin of “Once Bitten, Twice Shy”
“Once bitten, twice shy” is a saying from the 19th century. During this time period, the word “bite” was used to describe any unpleasant experience. Although the phrase can be used in any situation now, it was first seen in the context of romantic situations. Some of the earliest uses of “once bitten, twice shy” are in books depicting cautious lovers.
How to Use “Once Bitten, Twice Shy”
Say “once bitten, twice shy” to explain a cautious reattempt. Say your friend doesn’t understand your hesitation or fear towards something. You might say “once bitten, twice shy” to let them know that you’ve done it before, and have had a bad experience with that activity, event, or person, so you’re being extra careful this time around. Your friend: “I just don’t know why you’re so scared of rollercoasters.” You: “Well, once bitten, twice shy. Throwing up last time was so embarrassing. This time, I need to digest my food for at least 30 minutes before going on one.”
Use “once bitten, twice shy” to clarify why you won’t try again. This expression isn’t always said before a second attempt. It can also be said to explain why you won’t be putting yourself in the same situation again. “I’ll never eat at that restaurant again after getting food poisoning. Once bitten, twice shy.” “I could never trust her again after she betrayed me. Once bitten, twice shy, you know.”
Pop Culture Examples
"Once Bitten, Twice Shy" by Ian Hunter In this hit song, Ian Hunter uses the expression “once bitten, twice shy” to talk about a girl who flirts with a lot of other musicians. From previous experiences, he knows he can’t count on her to be his girl, so he’s careful not to expect to be her only lover. This song was also covered and popularized by the band Great White.
"Last Christmas" by Wham In this classic Christmas song, the lyric goes, “Once bitten, and twice shy. I keep my distance, but you still catch my eye.” Here the expression is used to describe the narrator’s hesitancy to pursue their ex-lover despite their feelings of affection because they had their heart broken the previous Christmas.
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