Meaning of it's not over till the fat lady sings | Babel Free

Definitions

Phrase. [C2]

Examples

“When the score climbs to 10–1, I ask him how it feels. A huge grin spreads across his face as he replies, “Great.” Some pitchers would try to be tough in the situation: It’s not over till the fat lady sings, the last man is out, and all that. Not Sid [Fernandez]. He’s happy and why hide it?”

““Gee, we’re slowing down? We may be tight on fuel—” / “This would be really tough,” Dick said, “if we had to sweat fuel. You know how I hate to sweat fuel.” Hah, hah. Little did we know. / The guy in charge of this gauntlet we were running was not going to let us home free. He was going to make us sweat every damn mile. / “Well,” I kept reminding Dick, “remember it’s not over till the fat lady sings.””

“I’m reminded of what he [Virgil Fox] often said to audiences: “Fasten your seat belts!” And as Bette Davis said, “It’s going to be a bumpy night!” However, as with both of these icons—for whom theatrical producing was always worthwhile—with results still only in sight, we must acknowledge that “It’s not over till the fat lady sings” (and the bills are paid).”

CEFR level