one swallow does not make a summer
one swallow does not a summer make
one swallow makes not a spring, nor one woodcock a winter

Definition & Meaning of "one swallow does not make a summer"in English

one swallow does not make a summer
01

used to indicate that a single occurrence or piece of evidence is insufficient to establish a trend or draw a firm conclusion

ProverbProverb

What is the origin of the proverb "one swallow does not make a summer" and when to use it?

The origin of the proverb "one swallow does not make a summer" is believed to come from ancient Greece, with similar sayings found in the works of Aristotle. The phrase suggests that one good event or piece of evidence is not enough to determine whether something will continue or be successful. It emphasizes that a single occurrence should not be seen as proof of a lasting change or outcome. The proverb is often used to remind people that drawing conclusions based on just one instance can be misleading.

example
Examples
She did well on her first test, but one swallow does not make a summer — she still needs to study for the rest of the exams.
The company reported a small profit this quarter, yet one swallow does not make a summer; the overall trend is still uncertain.
LanGeek
Download LanGeek app
langeek application

Download Mobile App

stars

app store