Don’t count your chickens before they are hatched

It is a mistake to assume that because your hen is sitting on a dozen of eggs you will have twelve chickens, since some, perhaps even all of the, may be bad and not hatch. So, never be too optimistic about anything; wait till your difficulties are over before you boast of success.

Mr Smith hoped to be made manager before the end of the year and have his salary greatly increased. He started placing orders for new furniture and bigger car before the promotion had actually been made.

‘Don’t count your chickens before they are hatched,’ warned his wife.

This was good advice, for it was Mr Jones who was made manager, and Mr Smith found himself in financial difficulties.