Explaining "One swallow does not make a summer"

Reviewed and edited by

Anwar Kareem 06/11/2024, 12:49

English.me team member

What does it mean?

The phrase means that a single occurrence or sign does not necessarily indicate a larger trend or truth. It suggests that one positive event is not enough to assume that the situation is favorable overall.

Tone

Pragmatic

Origin

The phrase is derived from a saying attributed to Aristotle in "Nicomachean Ethics," reflecting the observation that the appearance of a single swallow does not mean that the summer season has arrived.

Examples of usage

Just because the stock market went up today, don't assume it's going to keep rising. One swallow does not make a summer.
She got an A on her first test, but one swallow does not make a summer; she needs to maintain good grades throughout the semester.
Years ago, we closed a big deal early in the year, but learned that one swallow does not make a summer when the next few months were slow.

Explaining "One swallow does not make a summer"

What does it mean?

Tone

Origin

Examples of usage

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