jump the gun
Say it: jump the GUN /ˌdʒʌmp ðə ˈɡʌn/ · idiom
What “jump the gun” means
Act too early, before the right moment.
More precisely: To act too soon, before the right moment.
Example: “Let's not jump the gun and announce the deal before it's signed.”
When to use it
When someone acts before they're ready or before something is confirmed. Informal, often used as a gentle warning.
Similar words
act prematurely, get ahead of yourself
Where it comes from
From races, where a runner starts before the starting pistol fires.
Quick check
You send party invitations before checking whether the venue is available that day. Which phrase describes your mistake?
jump the gun or miss the boat?
Show the answer
jump the gun
Learn 5 new words a day in Kinquire. Each with a picture, how to say it, an example and a quick check, then spaced review so you actually keep them. Free to start.
Learn “jump the gun”