proverb · Words worth keeping
Don’t be afraid of failure.
Don’t be afraid of failure.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
The instruction discourages fear of failure. It invites an attempt without treating the possibility of a poor result as a complete barrier.
What the words are saying
Do not be afraid asks for an attitude but cannot establish how someone feels. A useful application can consider a manageable attempt and support for its outcome. The phrase does not make fear shameful or every risk worthwhile; a setback can have real consequences.
Everyday example
Someone plans a limited practice attempt after considering its demands and available support.
When to use it
Use it to encourage a considered attempt without demanding fearlessness.
What it does not mean
Fear can be reasonable, and the wording does not justify every risk.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 235; PDF page 37
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.