There is also a proverb to this effect where I come from and it's loosely translated as - Don't test the depth of a river with both feet.

However, I like to point out from the OP that the story may not be chasing the clout. It could be a true life happening. There are certain people like that who are dare devil risk takers. They risk everything without putting something up by the side in case something goes wrong. They think life is in a straight jacket. But life isn't. UPs and DOWNs happen.