Definice a Význam "the man who has once been bitten by a snake, fears every piece of rope"

the man who has once been bitten by a snake, fears every piece of rope

used to suggest that past experiences can influence a person's future behavior and attitudes, and that negative experiences can lead to unnecessary fear or caution

Proverb

What is the origin of the proverb "the man who has once been bitten by a snake, fears every piece of rope" and when to use it?

The proverb "the man who has once been bitten by a snake fears every piece of rope" is of Chinese origin and also appears in Japanese culture. It highlights the tendency to generalize fear or anxiety from a specific experience to unrelated situations. The proverb emphasizes how past trauma or a single harmful experience can lead to irrational or exaggerated reactions, and it serves as a reminder that one must learn to overcome past fears to avoid letting them control future actions.

Example

He had a bad experience with a difficult boss at his previous job, and now he's afraid to speak up or assert himself at work - illustrating how the man who has once been bitten by a snake fears every piece of rope.