# live and learn

idiom · CEFR B1

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/live-and-learn
Updated: 2026-06-07

## Meaning

I made a mistake

## Examples

- I bought the wrong size, but I guess I live and learn.
- I trusted that cheap website with my credit card and lost my money; well, live and learn.
- After the investment failed due to his lack of research, he simply shrugged and remarked that one must live and learn from such costly errors.

## Origin

English proverb attested since the 16th century (George Gascoigne, 1575).

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.