there's many a slip 'twixt the cup and the lip
Meaning: Many things can go wrong before a plan succeeds.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “The deal looks certain, but there's many a slip 'twixt the cup and the lip.”
Category: Food & Drink
Origin: A Greek saying, linked by ancient writers to the legend of King Ancaeus, told he would not live to taste the wine from his vineyard; he raised the cup, was called away to fight a boar, and was killed. The English proverb is recorded from the 16th century.
Equivalents in other languages
- French: Il y a loin de la coupe aux lèvres — literally: It is far from the cup to the lips
More idioms — Food & Drink
- born with a silver spoon in one's mouth — Born into a wealthy, privileged family.
- butter wouldn't melt in someone's mouth — Someone looks innocent or proper, but probably is not.
- a pie-crust promise — A promise that is easily broken.
- the honeymoon period — The early, happy stage of a new relationship or arrangement, before problems appear.
- all grist to the mill — Everything can be turned to use or advantage.
- you can't make an omelet without breaking eggs — Achieving something worthwhile involves some loss or damage.
More English idioms
- penny wise and pound foolish — Careful with small amounts of money but wasteful with large ones.
- meet someone halfway — To make a compromise with someone.
- have a free hand — To have freedom to act as one sees fit.
- wear sackcloth and ashes — To show public regret or repentance.
- take a load off someone's mind — To relieve someone of a worry.
- a bottomless pit — Something that uses up endless money or effort; also a person who is always hungry.