IdiomAnimals
English
Englishcount one's chickens before they hatch
Meaning: To rely on something good before it has actually happened.
Example: “He's already planning the party, but don't count your chickens before they hatch.”
Origin: Not every egg becomes a chicken, as Aesop's fable of the milkmaid and her pail warns. The proverb "don't count your chickens before they are hatched" is recorded in English from the 16th century.
Equivalents in other languages
Spanish: cuentas de la lechera Literally: Accounts of the dairymaid
More English idioms
- give and take Mutual compromise, where each side concedes something.
- on the sly Secretly, so as not to be seen.
- small potatoes Something unimportant or trivial.
- bail someone out To rescue someone from trouble, especially by paying.
- a double-edged sword Something with both good and bad consequences.
- blow the lid off To expose a scandal or secret.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- Du bist ein Goldstück You're a real gem — priceless, irreplaceable, and deeply appreciated.
- Du hast ein Händchen dafür You have a real knack — a natural gift that makes difficult things look easy.
- Du hast Köpfchen You're sharp and clever — you use your brain well.
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