There’s many a slip ’twixt cup and lip

phrase

Even if a desired action seems certain to succeed, there can still be mistakes or problems that can cause it to fail.

Our team is favored to win the championship, but there's many a slip 'twixt cup and lip, so let's not celebrate just yet.

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1

Pro Tip 1/3

Reminds that success is never guaranteed until the result is final, expressing caution against premature celebration.

He may be ahead now, but there’s many a slip ’twixt cup and lip—anything can happen in the final round.

Pro Tip 2/3

Highlights the often unexpected nature of events, emphasizing that reality may not meet our expectations.

I was sure I'd get the job, but there’s many a slip ’twixt cup and lip—I didn't even make it to the second interview.

Pro Tip 3/3

Originally from ancient Greek, this phrase has been used in English for centuries, adding a classic and learned tone.

As we prepared to sign the contract, I was reminded that there’s many a slip ’twixt cup and lip.

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