A burnt child dreads the fire

A burnt child dreads the fire

Examples

Her eyes sought for Ellen in the ruins, but she was not visible. Afraid of the new shock of the earthquake, she cowered behind the column. A burnt child dreads the fire. (West)

This pertinacity appalled him. It showed how dangerous the chap was. None of that business here of the burnt child dreading potting-shed. No sooner was this fellow out of that mess than back he came for a second pop, as malignant as ever. (Wodehouse)

A burned child urged by rankling ire Can hardly wait to get back to the fire. (Nash)

"Oh, Clark. Be careful with your insights. You're talking like a good future prospect for a husband." I forced myself to say: "No danger there. Twice burnt and all that jazz." (Thompson)

Russian translation

Обжегшийся ребенок боится огня.
Человек, потерпевший в чем-то неудачу, в будущем проявляет большую осторожность в подобных ситуациях.

Derivation

A burnt child.

Variation

Burnt brains dread the fire.

Synonyms

The scalded cat fears cold water.
Once bitten, twice shy.
Fear has a quick ear.

Comparison

Обжегшись на молоке, будешь дуть и на воду.
Пуганая ворона куста боится.
Битому псу только плеть покажи.