Once Bitten, Twice Shy

Interpretation

The proverb illustrates the psychological impact of past negative experiences on one's future perceptions and actions. It suggests that a person who has endured a traumatic or harmful event becomes wary and cautious even in situations that may not pose a real threat.

Metaphorically, being "bitten by a snake" symbolizes experiencing a significant trauma or harm, which leaves a lasting impression on an individual. Consequently, the person becomes more alert and apprehensive, extending their fear to similar but less dangerous situations, represented by the "lizard."

This proverb highlights the psychological phenomenon of generalization of fear or caution, where a person applies the lessons learned from a specific negative experience to unrelated situations, sometimes leading to unnecessary worry or overreaction.

By drawing this parallel, the proverb emphasizes the power of past experiences in shaping our perception of potential risks, but it also warns against allowing excessive fear or anxiety to hinder our ability to assess real dangers accurately.