It’s not over until the fat lady sings
phrase
The situation is not finished yet and anything can happen.
Despite the latest setback in the project, the team said, 'It’s not over until the fat lady sings'.

Often appears as...
- it’s not over until the fat lady sings
- nobody should assume that it's over until the fat lady sings
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic,Colloquial
phrase
The situation is not finished yet and anything can happen.
Despite the latest setback in the project, the team said, 'It’s not over until the fat lady sings'.

Often appears as...
- it’s not over until the fat lady sings
- nobody should assume that it's over until the fat lady sings
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic,Colloquial
Definition 1 of 1

Metaphoric Origin
Originally from opera where a 'fat lady' often signaled the end; now it means things can change.

They were down by 10, but it's not over until the fat lady sings.
Avoid Misinterpretation
Make sure people understand it is a humorous expression, not a comment on someone's weight.

I think we'll lose this game—no offense to anyone, you know, it's not over until the fat lady sings.
Colloquial Use
Best used in informal settings, too casual for formal writings or speeches.

We still have a chance to win, remember, it's not over until the fat lady sings.
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