The phrase "it ain't over 'til the fat lady sings" or "it's not over until the fat lady sings" is a popular idiom implying a sporting event, competition or any game should not be presumed to have a victor until the very last moment. It means that anything can happen and one should never assume a particular result.
The origin of the phrase can be traced back to 1932 when the German sports announcer Wolf-Dieter Poschmann stated that a ski jump was not completed "bis die dicke Dame gesungen hat" (until the fat lady has sung).
Another variation of the phrase goes back to March 1976, when sportswriter Dan Cook used it in a column after the Washington Bullets basketball game. Cook's version was: "It ain't over till the fat lady sings and leaves town". However, there are claims that Cook's quote may not have been original.
The phrase gained prominence in the United States in the 1980s and became known as the catchphrase of opera singer Paul Robeson. Robeson would sing the aria "Ol' Man River" as part of his performance as Joe in the 1936 film Showboat. At the end of the aria, Robeson's character would proclaim, "It ain't over till it's over!"
Although the exact origin of the phrase is uncertain, it is clear that it has become an enduring part of popular culture. It is used to express the sentiment that anything is possible, and that one should never give up until the very end.
The phrase has also been used in a number of other contexts, including politics and business. In politics, it is used to express the idea that a candidate should never be declared the winner of an election until all the votes have been counted. In business, it is used to express the idea that a company should never give up on a project until it has been completed.
It's a reminder to never give up on your dreams and goals. No matter how hard things get, keep fighting and never lose hope. Just remember, it ain't over 'til the fat lady sings!