don't count your chickens before they hatch

proverb/dəʊnt kaʊnt jɔːr ˈtʃɪkɪnz bɪˈfɔːr ðeɪ hætʃ/ 🔊 listen

Don't count your chickens before they hatch is an English proverb meaning you shouldn't rely on or celebrate something before it actually happens. Don't assume success is certain until it truly is.

📖 Meanings

1don't rely on something before it's certain
"You might get the job, but don't count your chickens before they hatch." — You might get the job, but don't assume it's yours yet.
2don't celebrate a result that hasn't happened yet
"We haven't won yet — don't count your chickens." — We haven't won yet — don't get ahead of yourself.

🔄 Related proverbs

don't get ahead of yourself →there's many a slip →wait and see →

💬 Common patterns

don't count your chickensdon't count your chickens before they hatchcounting your chickens
❓ Which proverb says don't rely on success before it actually happens?