What does this saying mean, and what is it's origin?

Question

Could anyone tell me what the phrase "Once bitten twice shy" means, AND provide the origin? Thanks! :D

Answer 1

Came from literally, once you are bitten, say by a dog, then the second time you encounter a dog you will be afraid of it.  It should really say "first time bitten, second time shy".

Don't know where it came from tho.

Answer 2

If somebody is said to be once bitten twice shy, it means that someone who has been hurt or who has had something go wrong will be far more careful around the cause next time.

Its origins are unknown but William Caxton gave the earliest version of it in 1484, and the exact wording of the saying was recorded in 'Folk Phrases of Four Counties' (1894) by G.G. Northall.