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

The quote "Once the bear's hug has got you, it is apt to be for keeps" by Harold MacMillan utilizes a vivid metaphor to convey a message of inevitability and permanence when a specific threshold has been crossed. This metaphor, making use of the image of a bear hug, evokes a sense of being knotted in a situation that is tough, if not impossible, to escape from. The bear, a powerful and often intimidating creature, signifies a force beyond one's control. The hug, generally a gesture of love, becomes, in this context, an inescapable hold or grip, suggesting an entrapment that is withstanding.

From a political and historic perspective, MacMillan, a British Prime Minister during the Cold War age, might have been mentioning geopolitical scenarios of his time. The "bear" could represent a formidable power or alliance, perhaps meaning the Soviet Union, colloquially described as the "Russian Bear." The expression indicates that when a nation or political leader is captured in the complex web of worldwide relations or conflicts, drawing out oneself can be a long-lasting difficulty.

In addition, the quote can be translated in a more comprehensive sense to highlight the nature of unintended commitments or entanglements in life. It speaks with the human experience of encountering circumstances that intensify or progress beyond initial expectations, leading to long-term repercussions. This could apply to personal relationships, company contracts, or ideological commitments. As soon as a specific or organization becomes deeply included, reversing course can be an overwhelming task, potentially modifying the course of one's life or history permanently.

In a more philosophical or existential context, the quote reminds us of the possible permanence of our options and the significance of being aware of the courses we select to tread. It highlights the weight of existential dedications and the human tendency to often underestimate the gravity of apparently little decisions. In essence, MacMillan's words serve as a cautionary tip of the intractable nature of certain engagements and the enduring impact they can have on one's life or on the bigger historical narrative.