Idiom: Don't count your chickens (before they hatch)

 

"Don't count your chickens before they hatch"


Meaning

  • “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch” is an old saying that means you shouldn’t get your hopes up or make plans based only on assumptions because that can lead to disappointment. It's usually used in negative statements.
  • Don’t be too confident that all your plans for the future will work out as you hope they will.
  • If you have a bunch of chicken eggs and want them to hatch into chickens, you might be tempted to assume that all your eggs will hatch into healthy chickens. You might be tempted to count each egg as one chicken. But don’t forget that some of the eggs might not hatch, and so you might not get some of the chickens you expect.

Synonym: Don't make assumptions


Example Dialogs

A: My boss will definitely give me a rise.

B: Maybe he won't. Don't count your chickens before they hatch.


A: I’m going to go to Hawaii when my bonus comes in.

B: Don’t count your chickens before they hatch!



Marty: If we close this deal, we can use the profit to move into a bigger building. Then, we could use the bigger building to get bigger clients. And with the bigger clients, we would make higher profits. With higher profits, we could even go international! 

Janet: Well, you shouldn’t count your chickens before they hatch.


Example Sentences

  • Don't count your chickens (before they hatch)—you don't know yet if she will accept your offer.
  • Peter was in the lead near the end of a bicycle race, so he raised his arms to celebrate his soon-to-be victory. However, he counted his chickens before they hatched because someone passed him in the last few seconds.
  • Before committing to make the payment, wait till you receive the money from the bank. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
  • 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. 
  • You haven’t even gotten the job yet and you want to go buy a new car. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch!
  • In business, avoid counting your chickens before they are hatched. In other words, don’t spend money you haven’t yet earned.
  • The interview went well but I’m not counting my chickens yet. I’m just being optimistic.
  • I know there is a huge possibility that you might get the promotion, but you shouldn't spend too much money yet. Don't count your chickens before they hatch.
  • That dress is perfect for the talent showcase, but you shouldn't buy it right now since there is no information if you have gotten in yet. Don't count your chickens before they hatch.

  • She wanted to buy a dress in case someone asked her to the dance, but I told her not to count her chickens before they hatched.

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