一yī朝zhāo被bèi蛇shé咬yǎo,，十shí年nián怕pà井jǐng繩shéng

What does 一朝被蛇咬，十年怕井繩 (yī zhāo bèi shé yǎo, shí nián pà jǐng shéng) mean?

一朝被蛇咬，十年怕井繩 (yī zhāo bèi shé yǎo, shí nián pà jǐng shéng) is a folk proverb (yànyǔ 諺語). Word for word it reads "Once bitten by a snake, fear the well rope for ten years." In use it means: A single bad financial experience can make a person excessively cautious for years. Past losses create lasting fear that can prevent future opportunities. You reach for it when you want that idea in one breath, and the Fire note it carries is why we hand it to those born in the Year of the Snake.

Literally: "Once bitten by a snake, fear the well rope for ten years.."

The reading

The investor who lost everything in one venture may never invest again, even when the odds are favorable. Fear is a useful guard dog but a terrible master. The well rope is not a snake, and knowing the difference is the work of a clear mind. Financial trauma distorts perception long after the original wound has healed. Wisdom lies in learning from the bite without flinching at every rope.

What kind of proverb it is

• Typeyànyǔ 諺語
• FocusLooks back
• Element火 Fire
• Zodiac tie蛇 Year of the Snake

Source Traditional folk proverb, cited in various classical texts includingErta Collection (二刻拍案驚奇)

Sits beside

Keep reading

Return to the Proverb Pond to draw another of the eighty-seven, or hear one read aloud. Read the rest of its chapter in Adversity & Resilience, or follow the years these lines belong to: Year of the Snake, Year of the Rat, and Year of the Ox.