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Region: General | Usage example: Don’t worry about the one failure; lightning never strikes twice.

Lightning never strikes twice

Meaning

Very rare events usually don't repeat.

Usage

Reassures after a fluke problem.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Observation that lightning hitting the same spot twice is uncommon.

Proverbial caution from weather lore.

Related Idioms

Better late than never

Doing something after the ideal time is still better than failing to do it at all.

Once bitten, twice shy

Hesitant to try again after a bad experience.

A watched pot never boils

Time seems to crawl when you anxiously wait for something to happen.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.