ne pas compter ses poules avant qu'elles soient nées

/nə pa kɔ̃te se pul ɔvɑ̃ k‿ɛl swa nɛ/

proverb★Intermediate◆proverb

◆ What It Really Means

A warning against premature confidence or planning based on uncertain future events.

¶ Literal Meaning

Do not count your hens before they are born.

Literal Breakdown

ne pas compterdo not count+ses pouleshis/her hens+avant qu'elles soient néesbefore they are born

◇ Mental Image

The image of counting unhatched chicks as if they were already grown, symbolizing premature assumptions about future success.

◈ When to Use

A friend is planning a big party assuming they will get a promotion at work, even though the decision hasn't been made yet. You might say, 'Ne compte pas tes poules avant qu'elles soient nées,' to advise them not to be too confident.

◉ Cultural Note

This proverb is widely used in French culture to emphasize the importance of humility and caution in planning for the future.

informal

To avoid assuming success before it is certain, as it may not happen.

Il a déjà commencé à dépenser l'argent qu'il n'a pas encore gagné, ne comptant pas ses poules avant qu'elles soient nées.

He's already started spending money he hasn't earned yet, counting his chickens before they hatch.

💡

This proverb warns against premature celebration or planning based on uncertain outcomes.

Synonyms

Related Phrases

ne pas vendre la peau de l'ours avant de l'avoir tuéproverb

don't sell the bear's skin before you've killed it

💡Pro Tip

Usage Context

This proverb is often used in situations where someone is overly optimistic about future events or outcomes that are not yet guaranteed.

📖Word Origin

The proverb originates from the idea that one should not count or rely on something that hasn't yet materialized, much like counting unhatched chicks as if they were already grown.

📝Usage Notes

This expression is commonly used to advise caution against overconfidence or premature assumptions about future success.

Dictionnaire Français-Anglais