English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch
Meaning
The idiom "don't count your chickens before they hatch" is a common phrase used to caution someone not to depend on potential success or outcomes that have not yet been realized. It is rooted in the idea that it is difficult to predict the future, and relying too heavily on something that has not yet come to fruition can lead to disappointment and frustration.
The literal meaning of the idiom is not to count or make plans based on the potential outcome of something that has not yet happened. The figurative meaning is to avoid making assumptions or expecting a certain result before it has been confirmed or proven to be true. For example, if someone tells you they are going to invest a large sum of money in a new business venture, but have not yet secured the funding, it would be foolish to count on that money being available. Similarly, if someone tells you they will make a certain amount of money from a project or job, but have not yet completed it, it is best not to rely on that income until it has been earned and confirmed.
Usage
- Don't count your chickens before they hatch - It's always better to wait until you're sure before making any plans or decisions based on something that hasn't happened yet.
- I know some people who count their chickens before they hatch, but I like to be realistic and not make assumptions until the outcome is clear.
- If you want to be successful in business, don't count your chickens before they hatch - always have a backup plan in case things don't go as expected.
- Don't count your chickens before they hatch if you want to avoid disappointment and maintain a positive attitude about the future.
- I learned my lesson long ago - never make plans based on something that hasn't happened yet, because it is very easy to let yourself down. The usage of the idiom can vary depending on the context. For example, if someone tells you they are going to buy a house with the money they expect to earn from a project that has not yet started, you might tell them not to count their chickens before they hatch, as there is no guarantee that the project will be successful or the funds will become available. On the other hand, if someone tells you they are going to retire at a certain age based on their current investments and savings, it might be more appropriate to caution them about the uncertainties of the stock market and the potential risks associated with investing in individual stocks or bonds.
Roots and History
The origin of this idiom can be traced back to medieval times when farmers would keep track of their chickens by counting them every few days. If a farmer counted too many chickens before they had actually hatched, he might miss some eggs that were still incubating in the nest. Therefore, it was important to wait until the chicks had actually emerged from their eggs before counting them. Over time, this phrase evolved into a metaphor for not making plans or expectations based on something that has not yet been realized. It is now commonly used in various contexts, including business, finance, and personal relationships.
Synonyms in English
- Don't put all your eggs in one basket
- Don't put the cart before the horse
- Don't make assumptions
- Don't let your guard down
- Don't count on anything until it happens
Synonyms in other languages
- French: Pas de la hâte aujourd'hui ! (Don't rush today!)
- Spanish: No contamos con las gallas hasta que ellas son verdaderamente gallas. (Don't count on the eggs until they are truly eggs.)
- Italian: Non contiamo sui dallecchietti finché non sono stati uccisi. (Don't count on the chickens until they have been killed.)
- German: Erwartungslos ist der liebe Tod (The love of death is waiting for you) - This idiom means to not have any expectations and be open to anything that comes your way.
- Japanese: 一期一会 (Ichi-go ichi) - This idiom means to cherish every moment and not take anything for granted, as it may never happen again.