It’s not over until the fat lady sings

usgb
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'.
Visual representation of "it’s not over until the fat lady sings" - The situation is not finished yet and anything can happen.

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
Visual representation of "it’s not over until the fat lady sings"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphoric Origin

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

Illustration for Metaphoric Origin
They were down by 10, but it's not over until the fat lady sings.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Avoid Misinterpretation

Make sure people understand it is a humorous expression, not a comment on someone's weight.

Illustration for Avoid Misinterpretation
I think we'll lose this game—no offense to anyone, you know, it's not over until the fat lady sings.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Colloquial Use

Best used in informal settings, too casual for formal writings or speeches.

Illustration for Colloquial Use
We still have a chance to win, remember, it's not over until the fat lady sings.
Visual representation of the word "It’s not over until the fat lady sings"

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