Lightning never strikes twice in the same place.
Lightning never strikes twice in the same place.
Meaning in plain English
The saying denies lightning recurring at one place. Figuratively, it can reassure someone that an unusual event will not happen the same way again.
Example
A reader separates the reassurance image from actual weather evidence and from a prediction about a future event.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
Its literal claim is false: the National Weather Service identifies it as a myth and notes repeated strikes. That correction supports the weather point without establishing any individual event’s probability. A responsible figurative reading likewise does not promise that misfortune or success cannot recur.
When to use it
Use it to explain the figurative reassurance with the literal myth explicitly corrected.
Keep in mind
Repeated lightning strikes are possible; the saying is not a forecast or a safety rule.
References for this reading
- Reference: www.weather.gov ↗
The National Weather Service explicitly rejects the never-strikes-twice claim and states that lightning can repeatedly strike the same place. Supports the literal correction, not a prediction for any particular event.
Lightning Myths and Facts: myth about lightning never striking the same place twice
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Country attributed by the collection
United States · source-attributed; earliest origin unverified
- Source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference
Supplied reference B; unit 99; PDF page 17; collection label: United States
Reuse and collection notes ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · supplied collection
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Contributor-confirmed reuse permission
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
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