Explore English traditional proverbsReviewed 2026-10-12
Meaning: Verified- Meaning and lesson
Experience can improve judgment, but it cannot reveal every danger before it appears. Life contains risks that remain beyond even well-earned knowledge and careful anticipation.
The saying cautions against assuming that wisdom, training, or past mistakes make a person able to predict all future trouble. Uncertainty remains despite preparation.
- When it is used
Use it when acknowledging that someone acted with experience and care but still faced an unforeseen risk. It suits reflections on limits of foresight rather than blame for poor judgment.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: Life is full of hazards, which experience neither bought nor taught will always enable us to foresee.