many a slip between the cup and the lip
many a slip between the cup and the lip (proverb, idiom)
/ˈmɛni ə slɪp bɪˈtwin ðə kʌp ənd ðə lɪp/
Meaning
- Even when success seems near, unexpected events can still prevent it.
- Although plans may look certain, they can fall apart before finishing.
- Despite preparation, things can still go wrong at the last moment.
- While an outcome may appear sure, surprises can change the result.
Example Sentences
- The wedding was planned, but the sudden breakup proved there’s many a slip between the cup and the lip.
- We had the funding and approvals, yet the project failed—many a slip between the cup and the lip.
- He was winning the match until an injury struck—many a slip between the cup and the lip.
- The team celebrated too early—there’s many a slip between the cup and the lip.
Origin and History
Ancient Roots in Greek and Latin
The proverb “many a slip between the cup and the lip” has its earliest known origins in ancient Greek and Latin literature. The Greek version, “πολλὰ μεταξὺ πέλει κύλικος καὶ χείλεος ἄκρου” (“much takes place between the cup and the upper lip”), and the Latin equivalent, “multa cadunt inter calicem supremaque labra” (“many things fall between the cup and the upper lips”), were noted by the Carthaginian grammarian Sulpicius Apollinaris in the 2nd century AD, as quoted in Aulus Gellius’s Attic Nights. These expressions highlight the idea that unforeseen events can occur even when success seems imminent.
Mythological Associations
A notable Greek myth associated with this proverb involves Ancaeus, a son of Poseidon and King of Samos. Before joining the Argonauts in their quest for the Golden Fleece, a seer predicted that Ancaeus would never taste wine from his vineyard. Upon his return, Ancaeus filled a cup with his vineyard’s wine and mocked the seer. At that moment, news arrived of a wild boar ravaging the vineyard. Ancaeus rushed out, leaving his drink untouched, and was killed by the boar, fulfilling the prophecy. This tale underscores the proverb’s message about the unpredictability of outcomes.
Introduction into English Literature
The proverb made its way into English through Richard Taverner’s 1539 translation of Erasmus’s Adagia, where it appeared as:
“Manye thynges fall betweene ye cuppe and the mouth”
This translation brought the ancient wisdom into the English-speaking world, emphasizing the uncertainty between intention and result.
Evolution of the Phrase
Over time, the proverb evolved in English literature. William Lambarde’s A Perambulation of Kent (1576) included the phrase, and George Pettie’s Petite Palace (1576) expanded on it. John Lyly’s Euphues and His England (1580) also featured the proverb. Ben Jonson’s play A Tale of a Tub (1633) referenced the Latin version, translating it to “Many things fall between the Cup and Lip.” The modern form, “many a slip between the cup and the lip,” gained popularity in the 19th century, appearing in works like Catharine Maria Sedgwick’s The Linwoods (1835).
Cultural Impact and Usage
The proverb has been widely used in literature and culture to convey the idea that success is not guaranteed until it is achieved. It appears in Charles Dickens’s Our Mutual Friend (1864–1865) and Anthony Trollope’s The Small House at Allington (1862–1864). The phrase has also been adapted in various forms, such as “there’s many a slip ‘twixt the cup and the lip,” and continues to be a cautionary reminder of life’s uncertainties.
Synonyms
- don’t count your chickens before they hatch
- it’s not over till it’s over
- expect the unexpected
- nothing is certain until it happens
Variants
- there’s many a slip ‘twixt the cup and the lip
- there’s many a slip ‘twixt cup and lip
- there’s many a slip between the cup and the lip
- many a slip ‘twixt cup and lip
- many a slip ‘twixt the cup and the lip
- there is many a slip ‘twixt the cup and the lip
More Example Sentences
- She was confident about the promotion, but there’s many a slip ‘twixt the cup and the lip.
- We thought the project was done, but a technical glitch reminded us there’s many a slip ‘twixt cup and lip.
- The deal seemed certain, yet it collapsed—many a slip ‘twixt cup and lip.
- He assumed the job was his, forgetting many a slip ‘twixt the cup and the lip.
- Everything was ready for launch, but there is many a slip ‘twixt the cup and the lip.
About the Author
Elena Jones holds a PhD in Education from Harvard University. She has extensive experience teaching at both the K–12 and university levels, with a particular focus on English as a Second Language. Elena has dedicated her career to advancing educational practices, and she has contributed to numerous educational journals.
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