You really burned your fingers this time?

English as a Second Language English Teacher Explanations (ESL Tests)
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English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #312 [color=blue]“English Slang Idioms (33)”, question 5

“You really … your fingers this time, Matt. I bet you won’t smash people’s mailboxes anymore after working all summer to pay the neighbors for your pranks,” his sister said.

(a) burned
(b) sucked
(c) oiled
(d) rubbed

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #312 [color=blue]“English Slang Idioms (33)”, answer 5

“You really burned your fingers this time, Matt. I bet you won’t smash people’s mailboxes anymore after working all summer to pay the neighbors for your pranks,” his sister said.

Correct answer: (a) burned
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is you burned yuor fingers correct? Thanks a lot.

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hi Nigma…,

I think burning one’s fingers himself (burned your fingers/ “yourself” is just omitted here) is a well known saying also here in Germany. It means, that people after having failed and shouldered the outcomes of the mistake they probably will keep the results of certain doings in mind and usually not repeat it…alike putting the own fingers into the fire, what people aren’t likely to do again after experiencing the results. ( at least the majority of people aren’t likely…)

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This is the first time I’ve ever heard this saying, haha.