one swallow does not make a summer
Meaning: One good sign does not mean things will continue that way.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “The sales rose in March, but one swallow does not make a summer.”
Category: Animals
Origin: Swallows return in spring, but one bird alone proves nothing. Aristotle uses the saying in his Nicomachean Ethics. It is found in English from the 16th century.
Equivalents in other languages
- French: Une hirondelle ne fait pas le printemps — literally: One swallow does not make the spring
More idioms — Animals
- walk into the lion's den — To go deliberately into a dangerous or hostile place.
- an old sea dog — An experienced old sailor.
- have eyes like a hawk — To have very sharp eyesight, or to notice every detail.
- for donkey's years — For a very long time.
- make sheep's eyes at — To look at someone in a lovesick, foolish way (dated).
- you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar — Kindness persuades people better than harshness.
More English idioms
- be a doormat — To let others treat one badly without protest.
- thick as thieves — Very close friends who share secrets.
- separate the wheat from the chaff — To distinguish what is valuable from what is worthless.
- a whole different ball game — A completely different situation.
- elbow grease — Hard physical work, especially scrubbing or polishing.
- not mince one's words — To speak frankly, even bluntly.