putting the cart before the horse; counting one's chickens before they hatch
Proverbial expression meaning to make preparations too early, before the necessary conditions are met. Literally 'deciding on diapers before the baby is born'.
Preparing a celebration for entering school before even passing the exam is like putting the cart before the horse.
Booking a venue before the project is approved is a classic case of counting your chickens before they hatch.
Similar meaning: counting on something before it is obtained. 生まれぬ先の襁褓定め emphasizes premature preparation, while 捕らぬ狸の皮算用 focuses on unrealistic profit calculations.
A different proverb about causality (which came first, the chicken or the egg?), not about premature action.
Standard kanji spelling for this idiomatic expression.
Variant spelling with さだめ in kana.
A Japanese proverb of uncertain origin. The literal image of preparing diapers (襁褓) before a child is born vividly illustrates acting prematurely.