Don't Count Your Chickens!
Don't Count Your Chickens Before They Hatch
Have you ever heard someone say, "Don't count your chickens before they hatch"? It's a common saying, but what does it really mean?
This proverb is a reminder to not get too excited or make plans based on something that hasn't happened yet. It means you shouldn't assume you'll have something before you actually have it. Let's break it down.
Imagine a farmer who has a hen sitting on a dozen eggs. He starts thinking about all the chickens he'll have. He imagines selling them at the market and using the money to buy a new tractor. He's already spending the money in his mind!
But what if some of the eggs don't hatch? What if only half of them become chicks? Then his plans for a new tractor are ruined. He counted his chickens before they even hatched!
Here's another example. Imagine you're playing a game and you're close to winning. You start celebrating before the game is actually over. But then, your opponent makes a comeback and wins! You counted your victory before it was certain.
- Proverb:
- A short, popular saying that expresses a well-known truth or belief.
- Realistic:
- Having a practical and sensible view of things.
- opponent:
- A person or team that you are competing against in a game or contest.
- disappointment:
- A feeling of sadness that happens when something does not go the way you hoped it would.
- patient:
- Able to wait calmly for something without getting upset or in a hurry.
- assume:
- To accept something as true or certain to happen, even without having definite proof.
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- 1What does the proverb "Don't count your chickens before they hatch" mean?
- 2Describe the farmer's mistake in the example provided.
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About this explanatory article passage for Upper Elementary
“Don't Count Your Chickens!” is a explanatory article reading passage about Proverbs, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 2 minutes to read (262 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.