What is the meaning of [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.

##### See also:

* Catch your bear before you sell its skin
* Do not halloo till you are out of the wood
* First catch your hare
* Never spend your money before you have it
* There’s many a slip ‘twixt the cup and the lip