gin3 gwo3 gwai2 paa3 hak1見過鬼怕黑见过鬼怕黑
Jyutpinggin3 gwo3 gwai2 paa3 hak1
Yalegin gwo gwái pa hāk
Definition
Once bitten, twice shy; to be extremely cautious after having a bad experience.
colloquialemotion
How it's used
This idiom describes a lingering fear or hesitation caused by a past negative experience. It is often used to tease someone who is being overly cautious or paranoid after a single bad event. It carries a slightly informal tone and is commonly used in casual conversation to explain why someone is refusing to try something again.
Examples
He was cheated before, so he is really once bitten, twice shy.
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a simple dislike for something. It specifically requires a history of being hurt or burned by a situation that now causes the person to avoid it entirely.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
