doʊnt kaʊnt jɔr ˈtʃɪkɪnz bɪˈfɔr ðeɪ hætʃ
- Literally:
- Don't count baby chickens before eggs have hatched
What does "don't count your chickens before they hatch" mean?
- Don't assume success before it actually happens
- Don't make plans based on something that hasn't occurred yet
Examples
- Don't count your chickens before they hatch—the deal isn't signed yet.
- I know you're excited, but don't count your chickens before they hatch.
- She spent her bonus before getting it—counting her chickens before they hatched.
Origin
From Aesop's fable 'The Milkmaid and Her Pail,' where a milkmaid fantasizes about what she'll buy with her milk profits, then spills the milk. Recorded in English since the 16th century.
How to use it
Very common proverb warning against premature celebration or planning. Often shortened to 'don't count your chickens.'
Similar expressions
Opposites
Related idioms
- kill two birds with one stone
To accomplish two goals with a single action
- let the cat out of the bag
To reveal a secret accidentally
- elephant in the room
An obvious problem or issue that everyone is aware of but no one wants to discuss
- hold your horses
To wait and be patient
- fish out of water
Someone who feels awkward or uncomfortable in a particular situation
- the early bird gets the worm
Those who act first have the advantage
Use it in a practice answer
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