Sell not the hare's skin before you have caught him.

Do not treat an expected gain as though it were already yours. Plans, promises, or bargains based on an outcome not yet secured may leave you unable to deliver what you offered.

The saying urges patience and realism before spending, boasting about, or committing future proceeds. Success should be established first; only then is it sensible to dispose of, divide, or rely on its rewards.

Use it to caution someone against counting on a sale, prize, payment, or other result that remains uncertain. It suits situations where a person is making commitments from anticipated rather than actual resources.