Once bitten, twice shy

Russian translation

Однажды укушенный — вдвойне пуглив.

Однажды сделав ошибку, впредь будешь более осторожным при подобных обстоятельствах.

Variants

Once bit, twice shy.

Synonyms

A burnt child dreads the fire.

The scalded cat fears cold water.

Comparison

Обжегшись на молоке, будешь дуть и на воду.

Пуганная ворона куста боится.

Examples

«Jenny... why have you never married again?” “ Never had the chance, I suppose. Well, yes... I'll admit. A few fellows have come messing around. But I couldn't fancy none of them.” She smiled suddenly. “You know how it is, Mr. Desmonde. Once bitten twice shy.” (Cronin)

I ought, after having once been bitten, to have shown myself twice shy. But in the state of misery in which I found myself I hoped that a second bite might distract my attention from the anguish of the first. (Huxley)

“You and your husband live in New York, then?” “Don't have any husband,” Mrs Chandler replied, with a radiant smile. “Married at seventeen, divorced a twenty-one. Once bitten... No. I spend part of the year in Beverley Hills, and the other part in New York.” (Johnson)