What does “Don't sell the bear's skin before you've caught it.” mean?
"Don't sell the bear's skin before you've caught it" means it is not wise to make assumptions or plans based on something that has not yet happened or been achieved. It is better to wait until you have achieved your goal before celebrating or making any decisions based on it.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I know you're excited about the job interview, but don't sell the bear's skin before you've caught it. Wait until you actually get the job offer before making any plans.
Example
You shouldn't start planning your victory party just yet. Remember, don't sell the bear's skin before you've caught it. Wait until you've actually won the game.
Example
I understand you're confident about your business idea, but don't sell the bear's skin before you've caught it. Wait until you've secured funding and have a solid plan in place
Is “Don't sell the bear's skin before you've caught it.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Don't sell the bear's skin before you've caught it.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Don't sell the bear's skin before you've caught it.” effectively in context?
You can use "Don't sell the bear's skin before you've caught it" to caution someone against making assumptions or plans based on something that has not yet happened or been achieved. It emphasizes the importance of waiting until a goal is accomplished before celebrating or making decisions based on it. For example, if a friend is already planning a vacation before receiving a job offer, you might say, 'Remember, don't sell the bear's skin before you've caught it. Wait until you actually get the job offer before making any plans.'
- 1Job Search
I know you're excited about the job interview, but don't sell the bear's skin before you've caught it. Wait until you actually get the job offer before making any plans.
- 2Sports
You shouldn't start planning your victory party just yet. Remember, don't sell the bear's skin before you've caught it. Wait until you've actually won the game.
- 3Business
I understand you're confident about your business idea, but don't sell the bear's skin before you've caught it. Wait until you've secured funding and have a solid plan in place.
Similar phrases to “Don't sell the bear's skin before you've caught it.”:
Jump the gun
To act too soon or before the appropriate time
Example
They started celebrating their victory before the game was over. They jumped the gun.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Don't sell the bear's skin before you've caught it.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Don't sell the bear's skin before you've caught it" can be traced back to a French proverb from the 16th century: 'Il ne faut pas vendre la peau de l'ours avant de l'avoir tué.' It was later adopted and popularized in English-speaking countries.
Is “Don't sell the bear's skin before you've caught it.” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Don't sell the bear's skin before you've caught it" is a well-known proverb in everyday conversation. People often use it to remind others not to make assumptions or plans based on uncertain outcomes.
What tone does “Don't sell the bear's skin before you've caught it.” have?
"Don't sell the bear's skin before you've caught it" conveys a tone of caution and wisdom. It is used to advise against premature celebration or decision-making.
Can “Don't sell the bear's skin before you've caught it.” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Don't sell the bear's skin before you've caught it" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a widely recognized proverb that emphasizes the importance of patience and avoiding premature assumptions. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Remember, don't sell the bear's skin before you've caught it. Wait until you actually get the job offer before making any plans.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Don't sell the bear's skin!' to imply the need for patience and caution.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- don't celebrate prematurely
- don't make assumptions
- don't jump to conclusions
- wait until it's certain
- don't get ahead of yourself
Antonyms
- celebrate when it's certain
- make informed assumptions
- plan ahead
- be proactive
- take calculated risks
