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

This is a cautionary tale for anyone contemplating giving away their legal agency.

From MarketWatch

The state’s uphill battle to draw insurers back could prove a template—or cautionary tale—for other disaster-prone states.

From The Wall Street Journal

California’s uphill battle to draw insurers back could prove a template—or cautionary tale—for other disaster-prone states.

From The Wall Street Journal

Remembering this makes “Reality Check” a cautionary tale for those seeking a role model in someone who is never going to make room for anyone else in her VIP section.

From Salon

Growing up in the Bay Area, Liu was known first as a child prodigy, then as a cautionary tale about the toll that elite sports can take on young athletes.

From The Wall Street Journal