Learn English: Introduction to Useful Proverbs
Alice: Bob? Is that you? Wow, you look like you’re on cloud nine!
Bob: Alice! Hey! I am! I just had the most amazing job interview ever. I totally nailed it.
Alice: That’s fantastic news! So, what’s the occasion for the huge smile?
Bob: I’m already planning my victory celebration. First, I’m going to buy that new sports car I’ve been dreaming about.
Alice: A sports car? Already? That’s a big step.
Bob: And that’s not all! I’m going to book a two-week vacation to Hawaii for next month. I can already feel the sun on my skin.
Alice: Whoa there, hold your horses! You haven’t even gotten an official offer yet, have you?
Bob: Well, no, but the manager said I was a “perfect fit” and that they’d be in touch soon. It’s a sure thing!
Alice: I’m really happy for you, Bob, and I’ve got my fingers crossed. But maybe you’re getting a little ahead of yourself.
Bob: What do you mean?
Alice: In English, we have a proverb: “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”
Bob: Don’t count my chickens… what? Are you saying I shouldn’t buy eggs?
Alice: (Laughs) No, silly. It means you shouldn’t make plans that depend on something good happening before you know for sure that it has actually happened.
Bob: Oh, I get it. So, I shouldn’t mentally spend my first paycheck before I’ve even signed the contract.
Alice: Exactly! Be optimistic, but maybe wait for the official email before you visit the car dealership. For now, let’s just celebrate the great interview!
About the Situation
In this conversation, Bob has just finished a job interview that he feels went extremely well. He is so confident that he will get the job that he immediately starts making expensive plans. His friend, Alice, is happy for him but is more cautious. She uses a famous English proverb, “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch,” to advise him to wait for a confirmed job offer before making big financial commitments. The dialogue is a fun way to learn about managing expectations and a very common English expression.
New Phrases
| Phrase | Meaning | Example from Dialogue |
|---|---|---|
| On cloud nine | To be extremely happy and excited. | Wow, you look like you’re on cloud nine! |
| Nailed it | (Informal) Succeeded at something perfectly. | I totally nailed it. |
| What’s the occasion? | What is the special event or reason for a celebration? | So, what’s the occasion for the huge smile? |
| Hold your horses | (Informal) Wait a moment; don’t be so fast. | Whoa there, hold your horses! |
| A sure thing | Something that is certain to happen. | It’s a sure thing! |
| Fingers crossed | A gesture or phrase to wish for good luck. | I’ve got my fingers crossed. |
| Get ahead of yourself | To do or plan something too early. | Maybe you’re getting a little ahead of yourself. |
| Don’t count your chickens before they hatch. | (Proverb) Don’t make plans based on a future event that isn’t certain yet. | Don’t count your chickens before they hatch. |
Grammar Point: Future with “be going to”
We often use “be going to” to talk about the future. It’s very common in conversation, especially for plans and predictions.
Structure:
Subject + am/is/are + going to + base verb
- Positive: I am going to buy a car.
- Negative: He is not (isn’t) going to book a vacation.
- Question: Are you going to celebrate tonight?
Usage:
1. Future Plans and Intentions
We use “be going to” to talk about plans we have already decided on for the future. In the dialogue, Bob has already decided what he wants to do when he gets the job.
- “I‘m going to buy that new sports car.” (This is his plan/intention.)
- “I‘m going to book a two-week vacation.” (This is another plan.)
2. Predictions Based on Present Evidence
We also use “be going to” to predict the future when we have some evidence or a sign now.
- Look at those dark clouds. It‘s going to rain. (The evidence is the dark clouds.)
- He studied hard. He‘s going to pass the exam. (The evidence is his hard work.)
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Vocabulary Fill-in-the-Blanks
Complete the sentences with a phrase from the “New Phrases” table.
- She just won the lottery! She’s completely _____.
- You’ve only had one date. Don’t _____ and start planning the wedding!
- A: “Are you buying a new house?” B: “____! I need to save more money first.”
- The final exam was tough, but I think I _____.
- I hope you get the promotion. _____!
- He thinks winning the race will be easy, but I don’t think it’s _____.
Exercise 2: Grammar Practice
Your friend just won a small prize of $500. What are their plans? Write three sentences using “be going to” to describe what they are planning to do with the money.
Example: He is going to buy a new video game.
- ____________.
- ____________.
- ____________.