don't count your chickens

don't count your chickens

Don't make plans based on future events, outcomes, or successes that might not come to pass. A shortened form of "Don't count your chickens before they're hatched." When my mom heard that I was preparing my campaign before even being nominated, she warned me, "Don't count your chickens." Why are you begging to drive my car to school tomorrow when you still need to take your license test in the morning? Don't count your chickens, babe!
See also: chicken, count
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

not count your chickens

or

not count your chickens before they are hatched

If you say that you are not counting your chickens (before they are hatched), you mean that you are not making plans for the future yet because you do not know for certain how a particular situation will develop. If we get through to the next stage, we'll be competing against some top-class sides so I'm not counting my chickens. When dealing with important financial arrangements, never count your chickens before they are hatched. Note: You can also use the proverb don't count your chickens before they're hatched from which this expression comes. The contract is not signed yet. Don't count your chickens before they're hatched.
See also: chicken, count, not
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

not count your ˈchickens (before they’re ˈhatched)

not be too confident of success until it actually happens: She said she was certain to be offered a part in the play, but I told her not to count her chickens, as a lot of other people wanted the same part.
See also: chicken, count, not
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • all in (one's) head
  • bank on
  • banking
  • don't get me wrong
  • don't beat a dead horse
  • come it
  • come it (with one)
  • (I) won't tell a soul
  • don't go there
References in periodicals archive
"Don't count your chickens but we are going into this game against Progres on a much better footing than we did two years ago.
PROGRES REPORT; Rangers have come such a long way on and off the park since nightmare of Niederkorn two years ago and we'll keep striving to get even better SAYS STEWART ROBERTSON
The author Holiday warns against this gratifying label making: Don't count your chickens before the eggs are hatched; don't cook the sauce before catching the fish; the way to cook a rabbit is to catch the rabbit first and so forth.
In business career: 'Ego is the enemy'
"Don't count your chickens before they hatch." Very old--but very good--advice.
When Should An Insurance Agency Recognize Revenue?
Commenting on the chances of his proposal resolving the decree dispute, Berri, in remarks published by newspapers, was quoted as saying "Don't count your chickens before they hatch."
Berri waits for Aoun on decree crisis
I am glad you see the upside, but don't count your chickens before they hatch.'
Patience is still a virtue
Disc time gentlemen please DON'T count your chickens before they are hatched...and don't celebrate your records before they are cut.
YESTERDAY'S EXTRA
SIR - Don't count your chickens (before they're hatched).
Only Plaid Cymru puts Wales first; Views of Wales
Good chance, but don't count your chickens CHANCES: 80 PER CENT Marouane Fellaini The Everton midfielder has a PS24m buy-out clause.
WE'LL PUT RIVALS TO SWORD! URAWA RED DIAMONDS LAND OF THE RISING GUNS v ARSENAL, TODAY, 11.30am Giroud: All we need now is a couple of big names
However, Berri was quoting as telling the MPs: "Don't count your chickens before they hatch," AS SAFIR reported.
Hope rises for cabinet formation after agreement on interior ministry candidate--But last-minute hitches in distribution of portfolios could scuttle Govt. deal--Consultations planned today on division of portfolios--Jumblat visits Syria today, calls for prompt cabinet formation
[It loosely translates as "Don't count your chickens until they're hatched"]
Ayoon Wa Azan ( Will Tahrir Square Break the Cycle of Decline ? )
It's sort of a "don't count your chickens before they hatch" approach to the law.
Lawyers seek edge to win; Superstitions can rule in courtroom
You're in for a bit of a pleasant surprise this week but don't count your chickens before they're hatched.
Horoscopes
Don't count your chickens before they hatch in business but do all the research you can.
Astrology
Your finances can take a sudden turn for the better, but if you're self employed, don't count your chickens until they're hatched.
Your week ahead
But, in response to Warnock's midweek gibe that Wolves should be in the automatic promotion positions themselves, Hoddle adopts a distinct 'Don't count your chickens' approach.
Football: Battle of minds will matter to Hoddle