don’t count your chickens before they hatch

D

don’t count your chickens before they hatch

Meaning

• do not count on something that has not yet happened
• don’t make plans based on a good thing happening before it has actually happened
• don’t expect all your hopes to come true
• don’t base your plan on a future event happening
• don’t assume to have everything you want until you have them

Example Sentences

1. Before committing to make the payment, wait till you receive the money from the bank. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
2. Though he was leading the race, he had started celebrating even before the finish line, and in the process lost his lead. He had counted his chickens before they hatched.
3. You may get the job, but don’t count your chickens before they hatch; wait till you get the offer letter before you throw the party.
4. Why not wait till you get the confirmation? Aren’t you counting your chickens before they have hatched?

Origin

This is a very old phrase and is believed to have existed in many forms and in different cultures. It is also seen in a tale in the Aesop’s fables, which originated in the 600 – 550 BC.

See also: count chicken

Before, Chicken