Scottish proverb of the day: 'Bad luck often keeps hitting the same spot'. Traditional saying explains why one problem is often followed by another

Some sayings are memorable not because they sound polite, but because they capture a harsh truth about life. One such proverb goes, "Bad luck often keeps hitting the same spot.' It is actually a Scottish proverb which read, “The deil aye shites on the biggest heap”. With its unusual imagery and dark humour, the centuries-old saying reflects a common human observation: problems, attention, wealth, or even bad luck often seem to gather around the same people.

The proverb comes from Scots and older Northern English dialects. In Scots, “deil” means devil and “aye” means always. The phrase literally translates to “the devil always shits on the biggest heap.”

What does the Scottish proverb mean?

The saying suggests that the devil does not choose randomly. Instead, he adds even more to what is already the biggest pile. In a figurative sense, it means that fortune, misfortune or attention often continues to accumulate around those who already have plenty.


The “biggest heap” represents someone or something that already stands out, whether it is wealth, success, power or even trouble. The proverb captures the feeling that people who are already ahead often receive more opportunities, while those struggling seem to face one setback after another. It can also be used when someone who is already successful gains even more, or when someone facing difficulties experiences another problem.

Similar sayings around the world

The idea behind this proverb is not unique to Scotland. Different cultures have developed similar expressions to describe the uneven distribution of luck. In French, the saying “Le diable chie toujours au même endroit” translates to “the devil always relieves in the same place.” Its meaning is that bad luck repeatedly strikes the same people or places.

The German version, “Der Teufel scheißt immer auf den größten Haufen,” means “the devil always relieves on the biggest heap.” It carries almost the same message as the Scottish proverb. In standard English, the closest equivalent is “The devil always relieves on the biggest pile.”

The deeper meaning behind the proverb

At its heart, the proverb reflects a centuries-old frustration about how life often appears unfair. A wealthy person may continue to gain more wealth. A successful person may keep receiving opportunities. Meanwhile, someone already facing challenges may find themselves dealing with one setback after another.

It connects with other popular sayings such as “when it rains, it pours” and “money goes where money is.” While those phrases are more familiar, the Scottish proverb uses a much sharper and more humorous image to make the same point.

Why this proverb still feels relevant today

Even in modern life, the saying continues to resonate because people often notice patterns where advantages and disadvantages seem to compound. A successful business may attract more investors because it is already doing well. A famous person may receive more opportunities simply because they are already visible. On the other hand, financial stress, health challenges or personal problems can sometimes create a chain reaction where one difficulty leads to another.


The proverb does not necessarily suggest that life is controlled by fate. Instead, it highlights a human tendency to notice how rewards and struggles can accumulate in the same places.

With its blunt humour and powerful message, “The deil aye shites on the biggest heap” remains a memorable reminder that fortune, good or bad, often appears to follow its own strange patterns.