It ain't over till the fat lady sings: Learn what the means through example!

What does “It ain't over till the fat lady sings” mean?

"It ain't over till the fat lady sings" means that a situation or event is not considered finished or concluded until the final act or event happens.

What context can I use the in?

Example

We still have one more game to play. It ain't over till the fat lady sings!

Example

Don't count him out just yet. It ain't over till the fat lady sings.

Example

The team was losing by a large margin, but they made an incredible comeback. It ain't over till the fat lady sings

Is “It ain't over till the fat lady sings” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“It ain't over till the fat lady sings” 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 “It ain't over till the fat lady sings” effectively in context?

You can use "It ain't over till the fat lady sings" to emphasize that a situation is not yet finished or determined, and that there is still a chance for a different outcome. For example, if a friend is feeling discouraged about a job interview, you might say, 'Don't give up! It ain't over till the fat lady sings.'

• 1. Sports

  The team was losing by a large margin, but they made an incredible comeback. It ain't over till the fat lady sings.

• 2. Competition

  Don't count him out just yet. It ain't over till the fat lady sings.

• 3. Uncertain Outcome

  We still have one more game to play. It ain't over till the fat lady sings!

Similar phrases to “It ain't over till the fat lady sings”:

Don't count your chickens before they hatch

To not make plans based on something that may not happen

Example

He was already planning his victory speech, but I reminded him not to count his chickens before they hatch.

Every cloud has a silver lining

There is something positive or hopeful in every difficult situation

Example

She lost her job, but she found a new career opportunity. Every cloud has a silver lining.

Keep your chin up

To stay positive and hopeful in difficult times

Example

I know things are tough right now, but keep your chin up. It will get better.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “It ain't over till the fat lady sings” come from?

The origin of the phrase "It ain't over till the fat lady sings" is unknown.

Is “It ain't over till the fat lady sings” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "It ain't over till the fat lady sings" is a well-known expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to express hope or optimism when facing challenging or uncertain situations.

What tone does “It ain't over till the fat lady sings” have?

"It ain't over till the fat lady sings" conveys a tone of encouragement and resilience. It's often used to inspire perseverance and remind others that there is still a chance for a positive outcome.

Can “It ain't over till the fat lady sings” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "It ain't over till the fat lady sings" is informal and commonly used in casual conversations. It may not be suitable for formal or professional settings.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Don't lose hope. It ain't over till the fat lady sings.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, it ain't over till the fat lady sings!' to imply that there is still a chance for success.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• there's still hope
• it's not over yet
• don't give up
• keep fighting
• stay optimistic

Antonyms

• throw in the towel
• it's all over
• it's finished
• no chance
• give up