🐔 Don’t Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch 🐣
Definition
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch - Don’t spend or try to profit from something not yet earned. This expression serves as a sage reminder that plans based on uncertain outcomes can lead to disappointment.
Synonyms
- Don’t put the cart before the horse
- Don’t sell the bearskin before you’ve caught the bear
- Don’t make plans on mere hope
- Don’t jump to conclusions
- Don’t count your golden eggs before the goose lays them
Antonyms
- Plan ahead with certainty
- Count your eggs after they’ve hatched
- Secure today’s gains today
Humorous Quote
“Never trouble trouble ’til trouble troubles you.” — Constance Saturday, thinking about her spilled milk.
Proverbs
- A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
- The early bird catches the worm. (the wise bird, however, avoids daydreaming about owning a worm farm)
- Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.
Literary References
- “The Tortoise and the Hare” by Aesop — Although not directly connected, it emphasizes steady progress over premature expectations.
- “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens — This classic novel embodies the theme of anticipating outcomes that may never materialize.
Movies to Watch
- “Under the Tuscan Sun” (2003) — A tale steeped in the pursuit of dreams and facing unforeseen realities.
- “The Pursuit of Happyness” (2006) — Demonstrates the virtue of working with what you have without prematurely celebrating success.
Songs and Poetry
- “Don’t Look Back in Anger” by Oasis — This song underscores focusing on the present and dealing with realities rather than illusions.
- “Hope Is the Thing with Feathers” by Emily Dickinson — Though hopeful, this poem doesn’t promise guaranteed outcomes.
Inspirational Sayings
- “Work on what you can today and let tomorrow take care of itself.”
- “Success is the cumulative result of taking measured steps, not leaps of fancy.”
Farewell Thought 💡
Remember, an ounce of present action is worth a pound of future dreams. Live wisely today so you may enjoy the fruits of your labor tomorrow.
### Which of these is an equivalent to "Don't count your chickens before they hatch"?
- [ ] Pour water into a sieve
- [ ] Eat your cake and have it too
- [ ] Benefit from time travel
- [x] Don’t put the cart before the horse
> **Explanation:** "Don’t put the cart before the horse" carries the same caution about premature planning.
### What is the moral of Aesop’s fable behind this proverb?
- [x] Be careful with dreams and plans.
- [ ] Never drink milk straight from the pail.
- [ ] Marry rich, no matter what.
- [ ] Count the chickens beforehand.
> **Explanation:** The moral emphasizes being cautious with future plans and not getting carried away with dreams.
### Which is NOT a related phrase?
- [x] Pie in the sky
- [ ] Don’t count your eggs before they're hatched
- [ ] Hope for the best but plan for the worst
- [ ] Shoot for the stars
> **Explanation:** “Pie in the sky” refers to dreams that are unlikely to come true, while the others express cautious planning.
### True or False: "Don’t cry over spilled milk" is similar in meaning to "Don’t count your chickens before they hatch."
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** "Don't cry over spilled milk" advises not to dwell on past mistakes, whereas "Don't count your chickens before they hatch" cautions against premature plans.
