What does the idiom "not count one\'s chickens before they\'re hatched" mean?
Although the meanings of the words in them do not make any sense when examined one by one, the word groups that are shaped according to the cultural roots of the language and that make sense as a whole are called idioms. not count one\'s chickens before they\'re hatched meaning, in what situations is it used?
Meaning of "not count one\'s chickens before they\'re hatched"
Meaning
The idiom “not to count one’s chickens before they’re hatched” means to not assume or expect something to happen before it actually happens. It is a warning against expecting or assuming that something will happen in the future without being sure of it, because it may end up not happening. The idiom is a suggestion to not jump ahead to plan for something that hasn’t happened yet, when the outcome is still uncertain.
Etymology
The phrase “not to count one’s chickens before they’re hatched” has been around since ancient times and is derived from an Aesop’s Fable. In the fable, a poor farmer has a bundle of eggs in his basket and he tells his friends that he will soon have hens, because the eggs are fated to hatch. His friends warn him not to count his chickens before they’ve hatched, suggesting that he not be too optimistic and assume the eggs will hatch just because they are fated to. The moral of the fable is that you should not assume something will happen until it actually happens.
Usage
The idiom “not to count one’s chickens before they’re hatched” is used to suggest caution when dealing with uncertain outcomes. It is a reminder that an event that has not yet happened may not actually happen, so it is important to wait until it happens before planning or counting on it. It is often used as a cautionary phrase to remind people to be more realistic and to not be too hopeful about future outcomes.
Example Sentences
- “I know you’re hoping for a promotion, but don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched”
- “I want to book a vacation for next week, but I’m not going to count my chickens before they’re hatched”
- “Don’t start investing in something before it happens, because you’re counting your chickens before they’re hatched”
- “You shouldn
The Surprising Origins of Everyday English Idioms
Many English idioms have surprisingly dark origins, often rooted in violence, death, and superstition. For instance, the phrase "raining cats and dogs" is said to have originated in the 17th century, when heavy rain would often cause dead animals to wash up on the streets. Meanwhile, the idiom "rule of thumb" is believed to have originated from a law that allowed men to beat their wives with a stick no thicker than their thumb.
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