Is the proverb
"an old fox understands the trap"
considered as a common English proverb? If yes, what does it exactly mean? If no, what is the exact equivalent for that in everyday speech?
Is the proverb
"an old fox understands the trap"
considered as a common English proverb? If yes, what does it exactly mean? If no, what is the exact equivalent for that in everyday speech?
The validity and aptness of a proverb is contained in how quickly and effectively it can help the listener comprehend the respective situation/ context. My native tongue has a saying/ proverb, for every imaginable scenario (and most of them are quite uniquely designed for that particular context). Similarly, English has many proverbs/ sayings for particular contexts, and most of them are said specifically for a particular situation.
This proverb is intended to stress on the importance of 'experience', by saying that an old/ experienced fox knows how to not fall for traps, set to capture it. It has lived long enough to know what the trap does and how to evade it. The most relatable and common saying, that comes to my mind is:
With age comes wisdom.
Having said so, this isn't a very commonly used proverb, but when used, it helps the listener comprehend the context/ situation, quite effectively.