“Man skal ikke sælge skindet, før bjørnen er skudt” – Don’t sell the bear’s skin before it has been shot

Meaning

“Man skal ikke sælge skindet, før bjørnen er skudt” is a Danish proverb that literally translates to “Don’t sell the bear’s skin before it has been shot.” This expression conveys the lesson that one should not make plans or celebrate based on an outcome that has not yet been secured. It emphasizes the importance of not being overconfident or presumptuous until something is fully accomplished.

The closest English equivalent is “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch,” and in Japanese, the expression “捕らぬ狸の皮算用” (“Don’t calculate profits based on an untrapped tanuki’s skin”) carries a similar meaning. In any culture, expecting an outcome before something is completed carries risks, and this proverb serves as a warning against such overconfidence.

Origin

This proverb originates from Denmark’s natural environment and hunting culture. In the past, hunting was an essential part of life, and bear skins were considered valuable sources of income and resources. However, the bear’s skin could only be sold once the bear had actually been captured. Since hunting a bear was difficult, it was risky to conduct business or make deals based on something that had not yet been secured. This idea led to the creation of the proverb, cautioning against making premature decisions based on uncertain outcomes.

Usage

This proverb is widely used in both everyday life and business contexts. It is especially common when people are making plans or building expectations while the final result is still uncertain. For example, celebrating the success of a project before it is completed or calculating potential profits before a contract is signed are situations where this proverb would serve as a warning against taking future outcomes for granted.

Conclusion

“Man skal ikke sælge skindet, før bjørnen er skudt” is a Danish proverb meaning “Don’t sell the bear’s skin before it has been shot.” It teaches the importance of not raising expectations or making plans before something is fully accomplished. Whether in everyday life or business, it warns of the risks of assuming outcomes before they are certain and highlights the importance of maintaining a realistic perspective.