count one's chickens before they're hatched
To depend on getting a profit or gain before you have it; make plans that suppose something will happen; be too sure that something will happen. Usually used in negative sentences.
When Jim said that he would be made captain of the team, John told him not to count his chickens before they were hatched.
Maybe some of your customers won't pay, and then where will you be? Don't count your chickens before they're hatched.
get up with the chickens
rise with the chickens
To rise very early in the morning.
All the farmers in this village get up with the chickens.
go to bed with the chickens
To go to bed early at night.
On the farm John worked hard and went to bed with the chickens.
Mr. Barnes goes to bed with the chickens because he has to get up at 5 A.M.
no spring chicken
A person who is no longer young.
Even though she is no spring chicken anymore, men still turn their heads to look at her.
run around in circles
run around like a chicken with its head cut off
To waste time in repetitious movements; be confused.
There was such a crowd in the lobby that I ran around in circles trying to find my group.
spring chicken
A young person. Usually used with no.
Mr. Brown is no spring chicken, but he can still play tennis well.
The coach is no spring chicken, but he can show the players what to do.