Count your chickens before they hatch

Meaning

Assume success prematurely.

Usage

Used to advise prudence in planning.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Agricultural caution about depending on eggs that have not yet hatched, related to older fables.

Recorded in English since 1570.