What does the idiom "Don\\\'t count your chickens before they hatch" mean?

The phrase Don\\\'t count your chickens before they hatch is often used in English, but what does this idiom mean? When idioms are used in the right situations, they strengthen communication and enrich the language. You can communicate more effectively by learning the meaning of Don\\\'t count your chickens before they hatch.

Meaning of "Don\\\'t count your chickens before they hatch"

Meaning

The idiom ‘don’t count your chickens before they hatch’ is used to warn people not to make assumptions about the future before any results or outcomes are certain. It advises not to rely on predictions or speculations, and to actively manage any expectations accordingly. In other words, the phrase essentially cautions individuals against expecting too much from something before the results of their efforts are certain.

Etymology

The origin of this phrase dates back to Aesop’s fable titled "The Milkmaid and Her Pail". In the story, a dairy maid was walking along a path to the market with a large pail full of milk and daydreaming of the things she would be able to buy with the money she would make. As she walks, she begins to plan out each item she would buy. At one point, the maid became so caught up in her fantasies that she exclaimed ‘I shall have a gown of the very best, the finest in the land. And I shall drive to Church on Sunday in a coach and six!’ As she continued her journey, she stumbled and dropped her pail, spilling all of the milk. She eventually came to the realisation that she would not be able to buy any of the things she had imagined because her milk had been spilled. This story is the basis for the English proverb ‘don’t count your chickens before they hatch’.

Usage

The phrase 'don't count your chickens before they hatch' is often used to caution or advise people to manage their expectations, particularly when it comes to things that have not yet been finalised. This can be in regards to any situation, such as job applications, upcoming exams, or even personal relationships. It is often used as an expression of wisdom, to advise against putting too much faith in a situation before the results are certain.

Example Sentences

  • I know you applied for a lot of jobs, but don't count your chickens before they hatch.
  • Don't expect to get that promotion until you get the official news! Remember, don't count your chickens before they hatch.
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The meanings of the words in the "Don\\\'t count your chickens before they hatch" idiom

Idioms have a common language

"The early bird catches the worm" is an English idiom that means that those who wake up early and start their day early are more likely to succeed. A similar idiom in Spanish is "El que madruga, Dios le ayuda," which translates to "God helps those who rise early." This idiom emphasizes the importance of starting the day early in order to achieve success.

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