As an expert in animal behavior and ecology, I can provide an explanation for the phrase "the second mouse gets the cheese," which is often used to illustrate the concept of risk and opportunity.

The saying implies that the first mouse to approach a piece of cheese in a trap is taking a significant risk, as it may be caught by the trap. The second mouse, by observing the fate of the first, can then approach more cautiously or choose a different strategy, potentially avoiding the trap and getting the cheese. This phrase is not a literal description of mice behavior but rather a metaphor for the idea that those who follow others into a risky situation can benefit from the experiences and mistakes of the pioneers.

Here's the translation of the explanation:

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Sometimes this phrase appears as part of a longer saying: The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese. In the common mousetrap design shown above the first mouse attempting to take the cheese out of the trap would probably be injured or killed.read more >>