early crow

English

Etymology

From horse racing slang, in reference to race callers prematurely declaring that a horse will win.

Noun

early crow (plural early crows)

  1. (Australia, informal) A confident prediction of an outcome that later proves incorrect.
    • 2023 September 5, Liam O'Loughlin, Chris Danks, “The Fair Dinkum Department Round 27: NRL finals hopes, Brandon Smith's form and Rabbitohs halfback question”, in Sporting News‎[1], retrieved 8 June 2025:
      Brandon Smith has been maligned for a lot of this season, but his recent form since returning from a thumb injury has helped the lead the Roosters to an unlikely finals berth. While the big-money long-term deal has opened the door for criticism, there may have been a bit of an early crow.
    • 2025 May 19, Callum Godde, “'Wafer-thin' budget surplus won't fix debt problem”, in Australian Associated Press‎[2], retrieved 8 June 2025:
      A state treasurer has declared mission accomplished on getting the budget back in the black but experts warn she might have gone the early crow.

Usage notes

Typically used in the construction "go the early crow".

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