Examples of use:
“Michael Smith, Jackson Square’s manager, is determined not to count his chickens before a deal is finalised.”
“‘We have to wait and see,’ Ponda said. ‘I think what I’m saying is, it’s exciting but let’s not count our chickens before they’re hatched.’”
“I don't want to count my chickens and it is up to the boys to get the job done, but I would be absolutely delighted to be involved in any celebrations.”
This phrase dates from the late 16th century and refers to one of Aesop’s Fables, which were written around 2,000 years earlier. [1]
“The Milkmaid and her Pot of Milk.
A Maid was carrying her pail of milk to the farm-house, when she fell a-musing. ‘The money for which this milk will be sold will buy at least three hundred eggs. The eggs, allowing for all mishaps, will produce two hundred and fifty chickens. The chickens will become ready for market when poultry will fetch the highest price; so that by the end of the year I shall have money enough to buy a new gown. In this dress I will go to the Christmas junketings, when all the young fellows will propose to me, but I will toss my head, and refuse them every one.’ At this moment she tossed her head in unison with her thoughts, when down fell the Milk-pot to the ground, and broke into a hundred pieces, and all her fine schemes perished in a moment. Count not your chickens before they are hatched.” [2]
[1] Cresswell, Julia. “chicken” In The Oxford Dictionary of Word Origins. Oxford University Press, 2009.
[2] Aesop. Aesop’s Fables. A New Revised Version From Original Sources. Kindle Edition. (Free copy available here.)
Photo credit: brittgow (Creative Commons)
No comments:
Post a Comment