It is a silly fish that is caught twice, with the same bait. 
Meaning and origin
This proverb means that a person who falls for the same trick or deception multiple times is foolish. It is a warning against being easily fooled or manipulated.
The origin of this proverb is unclear, but it likely dates back to ancient times when fishing was a common and important activity. The idea of a fish being caught multiple times with the same bait would have been seen as foolish. The proverb serves as a reminder to learn from past mistakes and not to be easily duped.
Related proverbs
Similar proverbs in the same language
English
-
An old fox is not easily snared.
-
Wherever an ass falls, there will he never fall again.
Similar proverbs in another language
Latin
-
Vulpes non iterum capitur laqueo.
The fox is not caught in the trap again.
French
-
Un âne ne trébuche pas deux fois sur la même pierre.
A donkey doesn't stumble over the same stone twice.
German
-
Ein alter Fuchs läuft nicht zum zweiten Mal ins Garn.
An old fox does not run into the yarn for the second time.
-
Ein Esel stößt sich nicht zweimal an denselben Stein.
A donkey does not bump into the same stone twice.
Czech
-
Stará liška těžko se uštvati dá.
An old fox can hardly be tamed.
-
Lišku dvakrát neošidíš.
You can't cheat a fox twice.