मतलब
A bad experience makes one cautious even of similar, harmless things.
सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि
In Brazil, this proverb is often linked to the concept of 'viva-voz' or 'malícia'—the necessary street smarts to survive in a complex social environment. In Portugal, the phrase is frequently used in political commentary to describe the electorate's hesitation toward new economic policies after periods of austerity. In Angola, proverbs (missosso) are a fundamental part of oral tradition and are used by elders to teach caution to the youth. In the Lusophone business world, being a 'gato escaldado' is sometimes seen as a weakness (lack of innovation) and sometimes as a strength (risk management).
Shorten it!
In casual conversation, just say 'Gato escaldado...' and people will know exactly what you mean.
Don't say 'quente'
If you say the cat is afraid of 'água quente' (hot water), the proverb loses its meaning because everyone is afraid of hot water!
मतलब
A bad experience makes one cautious even of similar, harmless things.
Shorten it!
In casual conversation, just say 'Gato escaldado...' and people will know exactly what you mean.
Don't say 'quente'
If you say the cat is afraid of 'água quente' (hot water), the proverb loses its meaning because everyone is afraid of hot water!
Use it for empathy
Use this phrase to show you understand why someone is being hesitant. It sounds very natural and kind.
खुद को परखो
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
Gato ________ de água ________ tem medo.
The standard form is 'escaldado' (scalded) and 'fria' (cold).
Which situation best fits the proverb?
A Maria foi enganada por um vendedor. Agora ela...
The proverb describes being overly cautious after a bad experience.
Match the part of the proverb to its meaning.
Match the following:
Each part of the proverb represents a psychological state.
Choose the best response for the dialogue.
— Você quer investir naquela nova criptomoeda? — Nem pensar! Perdi tudo no ano passado. ________.
The speaker is refusing a risk due to a past loss.
🎉 स्कोर: /4
विज़ुअल लर्निंग टूल्स
अभ्यास बैंक
4 अभ्यासGato ________ de água ________ tem medo.
The standard form is 'escaldado' (scalded) and 'fria' (cold).
A Maria foi enganada por um vendedor. Agora ela...
The proverb describes being overly cautious after a bad experience.
बाईं ओर के प्रत्येक आइटम को दाईं ओर के उसके जोड़े से मिलाएं:
Each part of the proverb represents a psychological state.
— Você quer investir naquela nova criptomoeda? — Nem pensar! Perdi tudo no ano passado. ________.
The speaker is refusing a risk due to a past loss.
🎉 स्कोर: /4
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
10 सवालYes, it is equally common and understood in all Portuguese-speaking countries.
Yes, it's a very common way to describe market caution or risk aversion.
It means 'scalded'—burned by a hot liquid.
Not a direct slang, but calling someone 'escaldado' implies they are suspicious or have been through a lot.
Because the trauma is so strong that the cat fears even the harmless version of what hurt it.
You can if you are talking about a specific woman, but the proverb is usually kept in the masculine 'Gato'.
It's neutral. You can use it with friends or in a newspaper article.
This is the exact equivalent!
Both are used, but 'de água' is the most common standard form.
It's better for everyday setbacks. For very serious trauma, it might sound too lighthearted.
संबंधित मुहावरे
Quem já foi mordido por cobra tem medo de minhoca
similarHe who was bitten by a snake is afraid of earthworms.
Cachorro picado por cobra tem medo de linguiça
similarA dog bitten by a snake is afraid of sausage.
Uma vez não são vezes
contrastOnce doesn't count.
O seguro morreu de velho
builds onThe cautious man died of old age.
