ELI5: what does 'don't count your chickens before they hatch' mean
// explanation
What does this saying mean?
This saying means you shouldn't get excited about something good happening until it actually happens [4]. It's like if you found 10 eggs and imagined having 10 chickens—but some eggs might not hatch, so you don't really have those chickens yet [1][3].
Why do we say this?
Farmers discovered that not all eggs turn into baby chickens [1]. Some eggs don't hatch no matter what you do, so counting on them is risky [3].
When should you use it?
Use this saying when someone is making big plans based on something that hasn't happened yet [4]. Like planning a huge party because you think you'll win money—but you haven't won it yet [3].
How should you think instead?
Wait until the good thing actually happens before you count on it [4]. Don't be too confident about things you can't control [2].
// sources
Nov 29, 2017 ... You've obviously never raised chickens from eggs. You pretty much never get a 100% hatch rate. It's a metaphor for "don't be overly confident in ...
Mar 28, 2024 ... It means do not take everything at face value and think you know everything which is about to happen. Counting chickens before they hatch makes ...
Mar 12, 2024 ... It means it ain't over til it's over. You dont have 30 chickens, you have 30 eggs that might hatch into chickens. Don't too cocky thinking you'Â ...
8 days ago ... you should not make plans that depend on something good happening before you know that it has actually happened.
Apr 30, 2020 ... It comes from a story by Aesop, which is well known all over the world. Japanese has a saying with a similar meaning: Don't count your tanuki ...
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Video by Timeless Tales: Sayings & Proverbs
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