Lightening never strikes twice
Meaning
This idiom suggests that an unusual or unfortunate event is unlikely to occur a second time to the same person or in the same situation.
Origin
The proverb, though often heard with a misspelling, derives its power from the extremely low probability of a literal lightning bolt striking the exact same spot twice in quick succession, a concept that humans intuitively grasped long before scientific measurement. This natural phenomenon was then metaphorically extended to the realm of human experience. The sentiment that misfortune or a rare event is unlikely to be repeated to the same individual or in the same circumstance appears in English literature by the 18th century, solidifying into this familiar adage. It offered a comforting reassurance, a sliver of hope that after suffering one stroke of bad luck, the universe would not repeat such a dire occurrence, making it a staple of everyday wisdom for those enduring difficult times.
Examples
- After he failed his driving test twice, his instructor tried to reassure him that lightening never strikes twice, so his next attempt had to be successful.
- The town suffered a major flood last year, but residents are hoping that lightening never strikes twice and they'll be spared this season.