Idioms are an essential part of the English language, and mastering them can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS exam. Today, we’ll dive deep into the idiom “Once bitten, twice shy”. This idiom means that after experiencing something unpleasant or harmful once, we tend to be more cautious and avoid repeating the same mistake.
Definition and Examples
The phrase “Once bitten, twice shy” (ˈwʌns ˈbɪtən, twaɪs ʃaɪ) is used to illustrate the idea of learning from a bad experience and becoming more cautious as a result. This idiom can be particularly useful in the Writing and Speaking sections of the IELTS exam. Let’s look at some synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences:
Synonyms
- Wary (ˈwɛə.ri): Cautious about possible dangers.
- After being scammed once, she became wary of online transactions.
- Cautious (ˈkɔː.ʃəs): Taking care to avoid danger.
- He is cautious about investing more money after losing his savings.
- Hesitant (ˈhɛz.ɪ.tənt): Tentative, uncertain.
- He was hesitant to climb the ladder again after the first fall.
Antonyms
- Reckless (ˈrɛk.ləs): Careless, without caution.
- Despite the previous accident, he remained reckless on the road.
- Bold (bəʊld): Showing a willingness to take risks.
- Unlike his cautious friend, he was bold and took the plunge.
- Daring (ˈdeərɪŋ): Adventurous or audaciously bold.
- She was daring and tried the risky move again, despite her friend’s warning.
Examples
- After being cheated once, he was wary of trusting others — ‘once bitten, twice shy.’
- Trying to avoid past mistakes, she became cautious with her choices — ‘once bitten, twice shy.’
- He was hesitant to take the same route after experiencing the accident — ‘once bitten, twice shy.’
Analysis of Idiom’s Usage in IELTS
Prevalence in IELTS
The idiomatic expression “Once bitten, twice shy” frequently appears in IELTS exams, particularly in the Speaking and Writing sections. This idiom is often used to discuss personal experiences and reflections on past events.
Writing Task 2 Example
Discuss an essay topic: “To what extent do you agree that people learn from their mistakes?”
You can incorporate the idiom to add a sophisticated touch to your argument:
- Example: “Many believe that people indeed learn from their previous errors. For instance, someone who has been scammed would probably avoid similar situations in the future—’once bitten, twice shy‘.”
Speaking Part 2 Example
When asked to describe a situation in which you learned from a mistake, using the idiom can make your response more impactful:
- Example: “I once invested in a dubious scheme and lost a considerable amount of money. Since then, I’ve been much more careful with my investments, embodying the phrase ‘once bitten, twice shy.'”
cautious investment
Combining the Idiom with Other Words
Collocations
- Became cautious: Once bitten, twice shy; he became cautious with whom he shared personal information.
- Growing distrustful: After the mishap, she grew distrustful of new opportunities, embodying the ethos of ‘once bitten, twice shy.’
- Increased vigilance: His increased vigilance was a direct consequence of ‘once bitten, twice shy.’
Other Related Idioms and Phrases
- “Better safe than sorry”: It means it’s preferable to be cautious than risk a bad outcome.
- Example: “I’d rather lock the door when I leave; better safe than sorry.”
- “Look before you leap”: Advising caution before taking action.
- Example: “He’s reluctant to make an investment without thorough research—look before you leap.”
- “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me”: Highlighting the importance of not repeating the same mistake.
- Example: “After being tricked the first time, he’s more mindful now—fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.”
Conclusion
Understanding and effectively using idioms like “Once bitten, twice shy” can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. This idiom is a great tool for demonstrating advanced language skills and can be used to enrich both your writing and speaking responses. Be cautious, articulate, and use these expressions to showcase your ability to navigate complex language constructs, ensuring a better score in your IELTS exam.
For further reading on similar idiomatic expressions, consider looking into “A stitch in time saves nine”. Happy studying!
