Definitions

cautionary tale

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

NOUN

piece of advice

Synonyms

WEAK

a few words of wisdom admonition advisory caution light caveat deterrent example enough said event illustrating a hazard forewarning hint lesson message moral omen portent red flag sign of things to come wake-up call warning word to the wise

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It is also a cautionary tale about writers’ aspirations—albeit one that is both gripping and relentlessly entertaining.

From The Wall Street Journal

Like this man who wrote to the Moneyist, you were put on notice by a cautionary tale involving someone you knew.

From MarketWatch

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