a scalded dog dreads cold water

proverb obsolete Someone who has experienced some kind of negative situation or consequence will try to avoid repeating the experience in the future. A: "It's heartbreaking how Eloise still refuses to go anywhere near the stable since her accident." B: "Well, you know a scalded dog dreads cold water." Joseph refuses to invest any money after losing his retirement fund during the stock market crash—a scalded dog dreads cold water. I know that a scalded dog dreads cold water, but you'll never find love if you don't put yourself out there and risk getting your heart broken again.

See also: cold, dog, dreads, scald, water

I dread to think

It is too worrying or unpleasant for me to think about something that might happen or might have happened. I dread to think what my boss will say when I tell him I lost our biggest client. I dread to think what would have happened if the firefighters hadn't gotten there in time! I dread to think what Mom and Dad will say when they see I'm failing three classes.

I shudder/dread to ˈthink (how, what, etc....)

(informal, often humorous) I am afraid to think or ask myself about something, because the answer might be terrible or unpleasant: I shudder to think when he last had a bath. ♢ ‘How much more work is there?’ ‘I dread to think!’