What does “Between the cup and the lip a morsel may slip” mean?
"Between the cup and the lip a morsel may slip" means that you should be cautious and not count your chickens before they hatch because it refers to how easily things can go wrong or be lost at the last moment.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Don't celebrate too early, between the cup and the lip a morsel may slip. It's not over until it's over.
Example
He was so close to winning the race, but between the cup and the lip a morsel may slip. He tripped and fell just before the finish line.
Example
Remember, between the cup and the lip a morsel may slip. Don't assume everything will go according to plan
Is “Between the cup and the lip a morsel may slip” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Between the cup and the lip a morsel may slip” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Between the cup and the lip a morsel may slip” effectively in context?
You can use "Between the cup and the lip a morsel may slip" to caution someone against being too confident or assuming that something will definitely happen. It emphasizes the need to be cautious and not take things for granted until they are actually achieved or completed. For instance, if a friend is celebrating prematurely after winning the first round of a competition, you might say, 'Don't celebrate too early, between the cup and the lip a morsel may slip. We still have a long way to go.'
- 1Sports
They were so sure of their victory, but between the cup and the lip a morsel may slip. They ended up losing in the last minute.
- 2Career
I know you're excited about the promotion, but remember that between the cup and the lip a morsel may slip. Wait until it's official before making any plans.
- 3Achievements
Don't count your chickens before they hatch. Between the cup and the lip a morsel may slip.
Similar phrases to “Between the cup and the lip a morsel may slip”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Between the cup and the lip a morsel may slip” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Between the cup and the lip a morsel may slip" is unknown.
Is “Between the cup and the lip a morsel may slip” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "Between the cup and the lip a morsel may slip" is not commonly used in everyday conversation. It is more often found in written texts or formal situations where proverbs are discussed or analyzed.
What tone does “Between the cup and the lip a morsel may slip” have?
"Between the cup and the lip a morsel may slip" conveys a tone of caution and humility. It reminds us to be careful and not to assume that something will definitely happen, as there is always a chance of unexpected outcomes.
Can “Between the cup and the lip a morsel may slip” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Between the cup and the lip a morsel may slip" is considered formal. It is not commonly used in casual conversations, but it can be used in more formal settings such as presentations, speeches, or when discussing important decisions or achievements.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Don't celebrate too early, between the cup and the lip a morsel may slip.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, between the cup and the lip...' to imply caution.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- don't get ahead of yourself
- don't jump the gun
- don't assume anything
- don't be overconfident
- don't take things for granted
Antonyms
- be confident
- assume success
- take things for granted
- celebrate prematurely
