"Once the bear's hug has got you, it is apt to be for keeps"

In this quote, Harold MacMillan is utilizing a metaphor to describe the powerful and lasting impact of a bear's hug. He recommends that as soon as a bear has welcomed you, it is most likely to hang on securely and not let go. This can be interpreted in a literal sense, as bears are known for their strong and unrelenting grip. However, it can also be viewed as a sign for any sort of overwhelming or intense experience. MacMillan may be implying that once something has a hang on us, it can be hard to break free from its grasp. This quote works as a pointer to be mindful and familiar with the possible effects of enabling ourselves to end up being too deeply associated with something.