Opportunity seldom knocks twice.
Opportunity seldom knocks twice.
Meaning in plain English
The saying makes opportunity knock only rarely a second time. It urges attention to a possibility that may not recur.
Example
Someone checks an offer’s relevance before deciding whether its stated deadline matters.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The visitor image creates urgency without measuring recurrence. A qualified application checks the opportunity and its conditions rather than letting scarcity pressure decide the matter. Another chance may occur, and declining an unsuitable proposal can be reasonable.
When to use it
Use it to discuss timing without assuming claimed scarcity is true.
Keep in mind
No recurrence probability or duty to accept an unsuitable opportunity is established.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- Contributor-provided proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 560; PDF page 81
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Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
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