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The meaning and origin of the expression: One swallow doesn't make a summer

One swallow doesn't make a summer

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What's the meaning of the phrase 'One swallow doesn't make a summer'?

A single instance of something is just that; it doesn't indicate a trend.

What's the origin of the phrase 'One swallow doesn't make a summer'?

One swallow doesn't make a summer.This old proverb is listed in several early glossaries, notably Richard Taverner's transcription of the [Latin] proverbs of Erasmus - Prouerbes or adagies with newe addicions, gathered out of the Chiliades of Erasmus, 1539:

It is not one swalowe that bryngeth in somer. It is not one good qualitie that maketh a man good.

It is interesting that, even in the 16th century, the figurative meaning of the phrase was made explicit.

See also: the List of Proverbs.

Other 'One' phrases:

One-hit wonder
One fell swoop - At
One for the road
One foot in the grave
One over the eight
One sandwich short of a picnic
One small step for man
One stop shop

Gary Martin - the author of the phrases.org.uk website.

By Gary Martin

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

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