lightning never strikes twice
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
An allusive shortening of lightning never strikes twice in the same place, usually used figuratively.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “lightning never strikes twice” mean?
An allusive shortening of lightning never strikes twice in the same place, usually used figuratively.
Is “lightning never strikes twice” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.