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.

---

Etymology

Origin of cautionary tale

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

The 2021 “transitory” episode is a relevant cautionary tale.

From MarketWatch • May 8, 2026

Calder’s cautionary tale comes ahead of a summer travel season in which we are likely to see a flood of schedule changes if the Iran war continues.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

In Mann’s eyes, the South African government’s disastrous bid for absolute political power is a cautionary tale with particular resonance today.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

The sport has already lived through the cautionary tale of Floyd Mayweather v Manny Pacquiao, which shattered records when it finally happened but fell flat.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

I guess they all expected to see her folded into a casket like some kind of cautionary tale.

From "Dumplin'" by Julie Murphy