Cautionary tale Meaning in English
expression
Definition
A story told to warn people about potential dangers or to teach a lesson by showing the negative results of someone’s actions.
Usage & Nuances
A 'cautionary tale' often appears in literature, folk stories, news, or conversations as a way to warn others. Common to use before sharing a negative experience. Usually formal or neutral in tone; not generally used for light or silly stories.
Example Sentences
The story of the boy who cried wolf is a cautionary tale.
basic
She told us a cautionary tale about driving too fast.
basic
Many fairy tales are actually cautionary tales for children.
basic
That email scam story is a real cautionary tale—don’t click on suspicious links!
natural
His experience with debt became a cautionary tale for all his friends.
natural
Every time a new virus spreads, the media runs a cautionary tale about staying safe online.
natural