Tag Archives: cautious

Idiom of the day

Once bitten twice shy

Leave a comment

Meaning: This idiom means that a person is cautious or hesitant to do something again after having a bad or unpleasant experience the first time.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “After being scammed online, he’s very careful about where he shops. Once bitten, twice shy.”
  2. “She’s reluctant to start a new business partnership after her last one failed. Once bitten, twice shy.”
  3. “He doesn’t trust easily anymore. Once bitten, twice shy.”

Origin: This idiom is thought to have originated in the 19th century, with the concept that someone who has experienced something painful or harmful is wary of experiencing it again. The phrase gained popularity and entered common use to describe situations of learned caution or mistrust following a negative experience.

Once bitten twice shy
Idiom of the day

Watch your step

Leave a comment

Meaning: This idiom means to be careful and cautious about what you do or say to avoid trouble or danger. It implies that one should be attentive to their actions and surroundings.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “The path is slippery, so watch your step.”
  2. “You’d better watch your step around the boss; he’s in a bad mood today.”
  3. “When dealing with sensitive issues, it’s important to watch your step to avoid offending anyone.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “watch your step” is fairly straightforward, stemming from the literal act of paying attention to where you place your feet to avoid tripping or falling. Over time, this literal meaning expanded to include being careful in one’s actions and behavior to avoid metaphorical pitfalls or trouble. The phrase has been used in this broader sense for many years, emphasizing the importance of caution in various situations.

watch your step