English · Proverb Attested

don't buy green bananas

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Meaning · English

One should not make long-term plans, as one may not live or survive long enough to accomplish them.

Where it’s used: Used American English

I don't buy green bananas anymore. I only buy one yellow banana, for I may not be around tomorrow.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “don't buy green bananas” mean?

One should not make long-term plans, as one may not live or survive long enough to accomplish them.

Is “don't buy green bananas” formal or informal?

don't buy green bananas is generally humorous.

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