Count one's chickens before they hatch meaning

Counting one's chickens before they hatch means to make plans based on something that has not yet happened and might never happen.


Count one's chickens before they hatch definitions

Word backwards tnuoc s'eno snekcihc erofeb yeht hctah
Part of speech This phrase is a proverb or idiom. It is not a single word, so it does not have a traditional part of speech. However, it is typically used as a verb phrase.
Syllabic division count one's chick-ens be-fore they hatch
Plural The plural is counts one's chickens before they hatch.
Total letters 32
Vogais (5) o,u,e,i,a
Consonants (10) c,n,t,s,h,k,b,f,r,y

Counting one's chickens before they hatch is a well-known idiom that warns against presuming the outcome of a situation before it has actually occurred. This expression serves as a reminder to not take success for granted and to be cautious about making plans or calculations based on uncertain events.

Origin of the Phrase

The origin of the phrase "counting one's chickens before they hatch" can be traced back to Aesop's fables. In one of his stories, a young girl eagerly anticipates the hatching of the eggs her hen has laid. However, in her excitement, she begins counting her chickens before they have actually hatched, only to be disappointed when some of the eggs turn out to be empty.

Lesson Learned

The moral of this fable is clear - it is unwise to assume a positive outcome before it has materialized. This lesson is applicable in various aspects of life, such as business, relationships, and personal goals. By being mindful not to count chickens that have not yet hatched, one can avoid unnecessary disappointment and setback.

Practical Application

In practical terms, this idiom advises individuals to remain grounded in reality and not let their expectations get ahead of the actual results. While it's important to have optimism and aspirations, it's equally crucial to maintain a level-headed approach and prepare for all possible outcomes. By practicing this mindset, one can better navigate the unpredictable nature of life.

So, the next time you find yourself tempted to count your chickens before they hatch, take a step back and remember the wisdom behind this age-old saying. Stay patient, stay focused, and most importantly, stay prepared for whatever may come your way.


Count one's chickens before they hatch Examples

  1. She was counting her chickens before they hatched by planning her vacation before receiving her bonus.
  2. He was always reminded to not count his chickens before they hatch before making any promises.
  3. The entrepreneur learned to not count their chickens before they hatch after experiencing a setback in their business plan.
  4. Mary was cautioned to not count her chickens before they hatch when discussing her potential promotion at work.
  5. The student was advised to not count his chickens before they hatched and wait for his exam results before celebrating.
  6. The team decided to not count their chickens before they hatched and focused on winning the game instead of celebrating prematurely.
  7. Sarah was guilty of counting her chickens before they hatched by buying furniture for her new house before finalizing the sale.
  8. The politician was warned to not count his chickens before they hatched by preparing his victory speech before the election results were announced.
  9. The young couple learned to not count their chickens before they hatched after booking their wedding venue before receiving confirmation on their date.
  10. The author was careful to not count his chickens before they hatched by not announcing his book release date until it was officially confirmed.


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  • Updated 20/06/2024 - 16:52:53