Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

count one's chickens

idiom

/kaʊnt wʌnz ˈʧɪkɪnz/

Definition

To assume a positive outcome before it has actually happened.

Examples

Before the investment was confirmed, she advised him not to count his chickens.
He made plans for a vacation, but he was reminded not to count his chickens until he got the job offer.

Meaning

This phrase implies that one should not be overly confident about a future event until it has occurred, particularly in relation to financial or other outcomes.