Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

Once bitten twice shy

a bitter experience making one cautious for future

The most appropriate meaning of the idiom "once bitten, twice shy" is a bitter experience making one cautious for future. It is an informal expression that means that someone who has been hurt or disappointed in the past will be more careful or wary about doing the same thing again. The idiom is thought to have originated in the 16th century, and it is believed to be a reference to a dog that has been bitten by a snake once and is therefore more likely to be cautious around snakes in the future.

The other options for the meaning of the idiom are incorrect. An insect bite that leaves a permanent mark is not the same as being cautious for the future. Being shy of meeting strangers is not the same as being cautious for the future. A person with no self confidence is not the same as being cautious for the future.