一朝被蛇咬，十年怕草绳

一朝被蛇咬，十年怕草绳:

Literally means:

once bitten by a snake, one shies at a coiled for the next ten years; once bitten, twice shy

Actually means:

一朝, once or one day; 十年, ten years, in a broad sense refers to a long period of time. This phrase means that once bitten by a snake, one shies at anything snake-like for a long time thereafter.

It figuratively means that after experiencing a disaster or adversity, one is always afraid.

It is often used to remonstrate others against giving up the hope just because of one failure. Derogatory.

一朝，一旦，忽然有一天。十年，泛指很长的时间。一旦被蛇咬了，那么以后很长的时间里看到样子跟蛇差不多的草绳也会很害怕。

比喻遭到一次灾难或挫折之后，心里一直感到害怕。

常用来劝别人不要因为一次失败而放弃。具有贬义色彩。