Lightning never strikes twice Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɫaɪtnɪŋ/ /ˈnɛvɝ/ /ˈstɹaɪks/ /ˈtwaɪs

LITE-ning NEV-er STRIKES TWICE

UK

lˈaɪtnɪŋ/ /nˈɛvɐ/ /stɹˈaɪks/ /twˈaɪs

LITE-ning NEV-uh STRIKES TWICE

Definition

This expression means that a rare or unusual event is unlikely to happen again in the same way or place.

Usage & Nuances

Informal, often used to comfort someone after a rare bad event or to express doubt that something unusual will happen again. Can be literal or figurative. Sometimes used with hope or reassurance. Not always strictly true—sometimes rare things do repeat.

• Spanish: un rayo no cae dos veces en el mismo lugar
• Portuguese (BR): um raio não cai duas vezes no mesmo lugar
• Portuguese (PT): um raio não cai duas vezes no mesmo sítio
• Chinese (Simplified): 天雷不会击中同一个地方两次
• Chinese (Traditional): 天雷不會擊中同一個地方兩次
• Hindi: बिजली एक ही जगह दो बार नहीं गिरती
• Arabic: الصاعقة لا تضرب نفس المكان مرتين
• Bengali: বিদ্যুৎ এক জায়গায় দুইবার পড়ে না
• Russian: молния не бьёт дважды в одно место
• Japanese: 落雷は二度同じ場所に落ちない
• Vietnamese: sét không đánh hai lần vào một chỗ
• Korean: 같은 곳에 번개가 두 번 치지는 않는다
• Turkish: yıldırım iki kez aynı yere düşmez
• Urdu: بجلی ایک ہی جگہ دو بار نہیں گرتی
• Indonesian: petir tidak menyambar dua kali di tempat yang sama

Example Sentences

Don't worry, lightning never strikes twice.

basic

They say lightning never strikes twice, so you'll be fine.

basic

After the accident, everyone told her lightning never strikes twice.

basic

I can't believe I lost my wallet again—so much for 'lightning never strikes twice.'

natural

Honestly, after everything that's happened, I'm starting to think lightning never strikes twice isn't always true.

natural

You had a rough year, but maybe you'll get lucky now—lightning never strikes twice, right?

natural