cautionary story
nounUK /ˈkɔːʃənəri ˈstɔːri/
US /ˈkɔːʃəneri ˈstɔːri/
A story that teaches you to be careful by showing what can go wrong.
My teacher read us a cautionary story about a boy who never listened to his parents.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A story used to warn people about danger or bad behavior.
The film is a cautionary story about the risks of driving too fast.
3. A tale that shows the bad results of foolish choices.
Grandpa told a cautionary story about losing money to a scam.
4. A narrative meant to teach children to stay safe.
The book is a cautionary story about talking to strangers.