Good things rarely happen together, but bad things often pile up. It is a resigned observation about the asymmetry of luck — people should not expect too much good at once, but should prepare for cascading problems.
This is a variant of the earlier saying, but with emphasis on the scarcity of good luck. It is often quoted in everyday conversation to explain why life feels unfair.
It manages expectations — by expecting little good and much bad, people protect themselves from disappointment. It also encourages gratitude for single blessings.
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