learn one's lesson

learn (one's) lesson

To learn through painful experience not to do something, often something one had been warned about or knew might be risky. I told you that you'd feel awful if you drank that much wine. I hope you've learned your lesson. I certainly learned my lesson about buying something from a stranger online.
See also: learn, lesson
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

learn one's lesson

Profit from experience, especially an unhappy one. For example, From now on she'd read the instructions first; she'd learned her lesson. Also see hard way.
See also: learn, lesson
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
See also:
  • a/the feel of (something)
  • (I) wouldn't (do something) if I were you
  • (one) could use (something)
  • (one) never would have guessed
  • (you've) got to get up pretty early in the morning to (do something)
  • all right
  • a straw will show which way the wind blows
  • a crack at (someone or something)
  • (one's) heart is set on (something)
  • (one) doesn't give a rip (about something)
References in classic literature
He therefore put his geography-book under his pillow, because he had heard that was a very good thing to do when one wants to learn one's lesson; but one cannot, however, rely upon it entirely.
Andersens Fairy Tales
Money, my dear; money will do anything--except making one learn one's lessons."
I Say No
We have all heard sayings such as "live and learn" and "learn one's lesson." But it's easier to apply these cliches when children make mistakes or adults have their attitudes catch up with them.
Watching the Store