The experience of being hurt teaches caution.
Vorsicht ist die Mutter der Porzellankiste
Caution is the mother of the porcelain box
🇩🇪 German
Berlin, DE
A uniquely German proverb meaning that careful handling prevents breakage. The porcelain metaphor reflects Germany's famous porcelain tradition (Meissen, founded 1710). Embodies the German cultural value of Gründlichkeit (thoroughness) and careful planning before action.
Contributed by AdagIA Team
Once bitten, twice shy
🇬🇧 English
London, GB
First recorded in 1894.
Contributed by AdagIA Team
Gato escaldado del agua fría huye
Scalded cat flees from cold water
🇪🇸 Spanish
Madrid, ES
Refrán español muy popular.
Contributed by AdagIA Team
El que se quemó con leche, ve una vaca y llora
He who got burned with milk sees a cow and cries
🇨🇱 Spanish
Valparaíso, CL
Pronunciation: el keh seh keh-MOH con LEH-cheh, veh OO-nah VAH-kah ee YOH-rah
Versión chilena con humor criollo. Exagera la reacción del escaldado hasta el absurdo de llorar al ver una vaca, lo que la hace especialmente memorable.
Contributed by AdagIA Team
Gato escaldado de água fria tem medo
A scalded cat is afraid of cold water
🇵🇹 Portuguese
Lisbon, PT
A versão portuguesa deste provérbio amplamente difundido nas línguas românicas. O gato, tendo sido uma vez escaldado, agora teme até a água fria inofensiva. Em Portugal, este provérbio remonta ao período medieval e aparece nas primeiras coleções de sabedoria popular portuguesa.
Contributed by AdagIA Team