Once bitten, twice shy is the saying that after being hurt you are careful ever after. As they say, once bitten, twice shy.
It explains caution rather than excusing it, and it is usually said with sympathy. The bite is any bad experience, and the shyness is the wariness it leaves behind.
1phraseonce bitten, twice shyThe saying: after being hurt, you are careful ever after.
“He will not lend to family again, since once bitten, twice shy.”
once bitten, twice shy is a saying.
Also accepted in games: once bitten twice shy
Practised in Idioms