Definition & Meaning of "Not bid the devil good morrow until meet him"

not bid the devil good morrow until sb (actually) meet (with) him

/nˌɒt bˈɪd ðə dˈɛvəl ɡˈʊd mˈɒɹəʊ ʌntˈɪl tˈɪl ˌɛsbˈiː ˈaktʃuːəli mˈiːt wɪð hˌɪm/

/nˌɑːt bˈɪd ðə dˈɛvəl ɡˈʊd mˈɔːɹoʊ ʌntˈɪl tˈɪl ˌɛsbˈiː ˈæktʃuːəli mˈiːt wɪð hˌɪm/

to not bid the devil good morrow until sb (actually) meet (with) him

PHRASE

used to tell someone to avoid trouble as much as possible

to {not} [bid] the devil good morrow (until|till) {sb} (actually|) [meet] (with|) him definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "not bid the devil good morrow until someone meet him" and when to use it?

The idiom "not bid the devil good morrow until someone meet him" is an old English expression that cautions against assuming danger or misfortune until it actually occurs. The phrase is rooted in superstition and the belief that mentioning or acknowledging something negative, like the devil, before encountering it may invite bad luck or misfortune. This idiom is used as a reminder to remain cautious and not to tempt fate by talking about potential problems prematurely.