measuring the drapes
Assuming future ownership
Measuring the drapes describes acting as if you've already secured something—a job, an apartment, a victory—before it's officially yours.
The phrase evokes someone planning how they'll decorate an office or home they haven't yet been offered: She's already measuring the drapes, and she hasn't even had a second interview.
It implies premature confidence that others may find presumptuous.
- presumptionBelief held without proof
- counting chickensExpecting unconfirmed gains
- overconfidenceUnjustified certainty in oneself
- getting ahead of oneselfPresuming outcomes prematurely
- successionFollowing in order
acceptance speech · taking office · political transition · inauguration · opportunism · entitlement · ambition · arrogance · victory lap · window treatment · campaigning · anticipation · foresight · election · jumping the gun · self-assurance · home renovation · transition
measuring the drapeshedging one's bets
Reducing exposure to loss
humility · managing expectations · pessimism · hoping for the best
measuring the drapesholding one's horses
Waiting before proceeding
biding one's time · playing it safe · due diligence · waiting in the wings · staying in one's lane
measuring the drapesbiding one's time
Patiently awaiting opportunity
holding off · sitting tight · keeping one's powder dry · hedging one's bets
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