Wit bought is twice taught.

Understand the thought

Meaning in plain English

A lesson learned at a cost may leave a strong impression. The repeated teaching image values remembered experience, without making costly mistakes necessary or claiming that their lessons are always understood.

What the words are saying

Bought wit suggests understanding obtained through some expense or consequence rather than through explanation alone. Twice taught emphasises how that experience can reinforce a lesson already heard. The number is rhetorical, not a count of how learning works. Someone may recognise the cost clearly yet still need support or another explanation to understand what should change. The useful reading asks what the experience actually showed and how the next approach can be improved. It can acknowledge a memorable lesson without praising the loss, assigning blame or suggesting that advice and other people’s experience cannot also provide valuable understanding.

Everyday example

A student who loses track of a draft after ignoring backup reminders begins saving versions regularly, while a classmate learns the same practice from the student’s account.

When to use it

Use it when an experienced consequence has reinforced a specific lesson.

Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.