The phrase “get your fingers burned” is both an idiom and metaphor. It used to describe someone who has suffered a negative experience or consequence as a result of their actions. It implies a lesson learned through adversity or misfortune.
This phrase is often employed when someone has faced repercussions or negative outcomes, especially as a result of taking a risk or making a poor decision.
For example, if someone has faced a loss or setback due to a risky investment, they might be said to have “gotten their fingers burned.”
About the Author: Chris Drew has a PhD in Education. He has been a teacher in schools and universities and has taught English as a Second Language in Colombia. He is former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education.Get Your Fingers Burned Phrase Origins
This metaphorical idiom symbolizes the immediate pain or consequence one feels when making a mistake. It doesn’t mean to literally burn yourself, but to have a similar reaction to a situation, where you’re immediately aware of the consequences.
The earliest known usage of this idiom dates back to the 17th century, appearing in various literary works and proverbs. However, it appears to have seen a popularity surge since the late 1930s:
Here’s a brief overview of its origin:
- Literal Experience: The phrase originates from the immediate pain and lesson learned when one literally burns their fingers, teaching them to be cautious and avoid making the same mistake in the future.
- Symbolizing Consequences: Over time, the phrase evolved to metaphorically represent the repercussions or negative outcomes one faces as a result of their actions or decisions. It serves as a reminder of the lessons learned through experiencing adverse consequences.
Today, when someone is said to have “gotten their fingers burned,” it means they have faced negative repercussions or learned a lesson through adverse experience.
15 Examples in a Sentence
- “He got his fingers burned by investing in a fraudulent scheme.”
- “She got her fingers burned once with online shopping and never did it again.”
- “I won’t make the same mistake twice; I’ve already gotten my fingers burned.”
- “They got their fingers burned in the stock market and are now more cautious.”
- “After she got her fingers burned in a bad relationship, she became more discerning.”
- “He got his fingers burned by trusting the wrong person.”
- “Many got their fingers burned during the housing market crash.”
- “She got her fingers burned with that risky investment.”
- “After I got my fingers burned in the last deal, I’m more careful now.”
- “They got their fingers burned when they expanded their business too quickly.”
- “He doesn’t take risks anymore; he’s gotten his fingers burned too often.”
- “She got her fingers burned by lending money to a friend who never paid her back.”
- “Investors got their fingers burned when the startup went bankrupt.”
- “He got his fingers burned when he gambled away his savings.”
- “After they got their fingers burned with the last project, they became more risk-averse.”
Practice Questions Worksheet for Students
Question 1: If you get your fingers burned by a risky investment, how might you feel?
- a) Excited and eager
- b) Regretful and cautious
- c) Indifferent and unresponsive
- d) Joyful and satisfied
Question 2: Which of the following situations best describes someone getting their fingers burned?
- a) Winning a lottery.
- b) Receiving a promotion at work.
- c) Losing money in a Ponzi scheme.
- d) Finding a lost item.
Question 3: If someone says, “I got my fingers burned trusting him,” what are they likely expressing?
- a) Gratitude and appreciation
- b) Regret and disappointment
- c) Happiness and contentment
- d) Excitement and anticipation
Question 4: In business, if a company got its fingers burned, what does it imply?
- a) They made a profitable deal.
- b) They faced losses or setbacks.
- c) They maintained a steady pace.
- d) They expanded successfully.
Similar Idioms
1. Learn the hard way
Definition: To learn through experience, especially from mistakes or errors.
In a Sentence: “He had to learn the hard way not to trust blindly.”
2. Pay the price
Definition: To suffer the consequences of one’s actions.
In a Sentence: “She paid the price for her reckless spending.”
3. Face the music
Definition: To confront the unpleasant consequences of one’s actions.
In a Sentence: “After the scandal, he had to face the music.”
4. Bite the bullet
Definition: To face a painful situation bravely.
In a Sentence: “He bit the bullet and accepted the loss.”
5. Bear the brunt
Definition: To endure the worst part of something unpleasant.
In a Sentence: “The employees bore the brunt of the company’s financial troubles.”
6. Reap what you sow
Definition: To experience the consequences of one’s actions.
In a Sentence: “He reaped what he sowed when his lies were exposed.”
7. Fall on one’s sword
Definition: To accept blame or responsibility for a mistake.
In a Sentence: “The CEO fell on his sword after the company’s failure.”
8. Take it on the chin
Definition: To accept punishment or adversity stoically.
In a Sentence: “The team took it on the chin after the loss.”
9. Take the heat
Definition: To bear the criticism or responsibility.
In a Sentence: “The manager took the heat for the project’s failure.”
10. Be in hot water
Definition: To be in trouble or difficulty.
In a Sentence: “He found himself in hot water over his controversial remarks.”
11. Bite off more than one can chew
Definition: To take on a task that is too big or difficult.
In a Sentence: “She bit off more than she could chew with the ambitious project.”
12. Catch heat
Definition: To receive criticism or backlash.
In a Sentence: “The politician caught heat for his controversial policies.”
13. In the doghouse
Definition: In trouble or disfavor.
In a Sentence: “He was in the doghouse after forgetting the anniversary.”
14. Pay through the nose
Definition: To pay an excessive amount for something.
In a Sentence: “He paid through the nose for the vintage car.”
15. Take a hit
Definition: To suffer damage or loss.
In a Sentence: “The company took a hit after the market downturn.”