Idiom
Jump the Gun: Origin and Meaning
Meaning
If you ‘jump the gun’, you start doing something too soon, especially without thinking carefully about it.
Origin
This phrase originates from races, such as horse races or track and field races. They often start when someone fires a gun – when it is fired, the racers start to run. If racers start running before they hear the shot, they are ‘jumping the gun’ and are usually disqualified. This expression is now used to describe anything that is done too soon.
This phrase originates from races, such as horse races or track and field races. They often start when someone fires a gun – when it is fired, the racers start to run. If racers start running before they hear the shot, they are ‘jumping the gun’ and are usually disqualified. This expression is now used to describe anything that is done too soon.Examples
“He jumped the gun and was disqualified from the race.”
Greg: “Manchester City have won the cup!”
Paul: “Don’t jump the gun – they still have to play the final match!”
“We don’t want to jump the gun by starting the project before we have fully prepared ourselves.”
Steve: “I really want to ask Lisa to marry me.”
Peter: “Don’t you think you’re jumping the gun? You’ve only known her for 3 weeks!”
Greg: “Manchester City have won the cup!”
Paul: “Don’t jump the gun – they still have to play the final match!”
“We don’t want to jump the gun by starting the project before we have fully prepared ourselves.”
Steve: “I really want to ask Lisa to marry me.”
Peter: “Don’t you think you’re jumping the gun? You’ve only known her for 3 weeks!”
