Don’t Count Your Chickens Before They’re Hatched
(don’t plan on the successful results of something until those results actually occur)

-Hi, Lydia. How are you doing with your book about the Indian tribes of the Amazon?
-I haven’t found a publisher yet, but I know it will be a big success. I’m going to use the money from my advance royalties as a down payment on that condo I’ve been looking at.
-Don’t count your chickens before they are hatched. What if you can’t find a publisher?
-I guess you’re right. I really should not count on getting any money until the book is actually accepted for publication.
-And even then the publishers may not advance you enough for a down payment on that condo. But don’t despair. It’s quite possible that someone out there will want to publish  your book. I wish you all the best.

From 101 American English Proverbs – Understanding Language and Culture Through Commonly Used Sayings
By Harry Collins and Illustrated by Mario Risso

Jennifer Díaz Green

Related posts:

1. Proverb of the week - Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover
2. Proverb of the week - Don’t Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth
3. Proverb of the week - Don’t Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

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