- English translation
A person once bitten by a snake becomes frightened at the sight of its tail.
- Literal wording
Whoever has been bitten by a snake is afraid even of its tail.
- Meaning and lesson
After being hurt by something, a person may react with intense wariness whenever they encounter anything connected with the earlier danger. The experience makes fear and precaution arise quickly.
It describes how suffering a similar misfortune can teach someone to guard themselves closely. Their response reflects both the memory of what happened and the caution it has created.
- When it is used
Use it to explain why someone who has had a damaging experience is especially fearful or careful in comparable circumstances. It may describe a reaction to familiar signs of a risk previously encountered.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
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