B2idiominformalnatureIELTS-friendly
don't count your chickens before they hatch
USUK
don't plan around a good result before you are sure it will happen
Often shortened to 'Don't count your chickens'. 'Chickens' is plural.
In context
You haven't signed the contract yet, so don't count your chickens before they hatch.
"I'm buying a car with my bonus." "Don't count your chickens before they hatch!"
Common mistake
Incorrect: Don't count your chicken before it hatches.
Correct: Don't count your chickens before they hatch.
More idioms about nature
- a big fish in a small pondan important person, but only in a small group or place
- a bird's-eye viewa view of something from high above
- a breath of fresh airsomeone or something new and different that makes a situation more pleasant
- a dark horsea person with hidden talents, or a competitor nobody expected to do well
- a drop in the oceana very small amount compared with what is needed