Adjective
/twaɪs toʊld/
The term "twice-told" refers to a story, tale, or account that has been told two times. It is often used to describe narratives that are well-known or have been recounted repeatedly, suggesting familiarity or repetition. This phrase is less common in everyday language but can be found in literary contexts. Its frequency of use is relatively low when compared to more common adjectives and is more often encountered in written contexts, especially in classic literature.
The ghost story was so captivating that it became a twice-told tale among the villagers.
La historia de fantasmas era tan cautivadora que se convirtió en un relato contado dos veces entre los aldeanos.
He felt embarrassed to share the twice-told story at the gathering once again.
Se sintió avergonzado de compartir la historia contada dos veces en la reunión una vez más.
The twice-told anecdotes of her adventures made everyone laugh.
Los anécdotas contadas dos veces de sus aventuras hicieron reír a todos.
While "twice-told" does not appear in many idiomatic expressions, it can convey concepts of repetition and familiarity. Below are some expressions that incorporate the notion of repetition or being told multiple times:
"A tale as old as time" - referring to a story that has been told repeatedly throughout history.
Una historia tan antigua como el tiempo.
"The story of my life" - often used to express a sense of frustration about repeating experiences or struggles.
La historia de mi vida.
"History repeats itself" - implying that events tend to recur, often reflecting a twice-told nature.
La historia se repite a sí misma.
"Seen it all before" - indicating familiarity with a repeated scenario or story.
Lo he visto todo antes.
"A well-worn tale" - refers to a story that has been told many times and is thus familiar.
Un relato bien desgastado.
The phrase "twice-told" derives from the combination of "twice," meaning two times, and "told," which is the past participle of "tell." This formation suggests the revisiting of a narrative or account that has been conveyed multiple times.