cautionary tale

American  

[kaw-shuh-ner-ee teyl] / ˈkɔ ʃəˌnɛr i ˈteɪl /

noun

1. a story, experience, or situation that serves as a warning to others.

   The malware's devastating effect on her files became a cautionary tale about the importance of antivirus software.

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Etymology

Origin of cautionary tale

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

The U.K. offers a cautionary tale.

From The Wall Street Journal

New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has a cautionary tale to avoid when he takes office in January.

From The Wall Street Journal

As a cautionary tale, it’s way more effective than coal in the stocking.

From Los Angeles Times

However, the record high in household debt signals a cautionary tale: Consumers can prop up the economy until they can’t.

From Barron's

It’s a cautionary tale of how far stock prices can depart from reality.

From The Wall Street Journal