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One swallow doesn't make a summer
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'?
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
