Jump the gun

verb

To do something too soon, especially without thinking carefully about it.

He jumped the gun and sent the email without proofreading it first.
Visual representation of "jump the gun" - to do something too soon, especially without thinking carefully about it

Often appears as...

  • jump the gun on
  • jumped the gun by

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Idiomatic

verb

In athletics, to start running in a race before the starting gun has been fired.

The sprinter was disqualified because he jumped the gun.
Visual representation of "jump the gun" - In athletics, to start running in a race before the starting gun has been fired

Often appears as...

  • jump the gun during
  • jumped the gun at the start

Usage tips

Disapproving

Technical

verb

To do something too soon, especially without thinking carefully about it.

He jumped the gun and sent the email without proofreading it first.
Visual representation of "jump the gun" - to do something too soon, especially without thinking carefully about it

Often appears as...

  • jump the gun on
  • jumped the gun by

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Idiomatic

verb

In athletics, to start running in a race before the starting gun has been fired.

The sprinter was disqualified because he jumped the gun.
Visual representation of "jump the gun" - In athletics, to start running in a race before the starting gun has been fired

Often appears as...

  • jump the gun during
  • jumped the gun at the start

Usage tips

Disapproving

Technical

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "jump the gun"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Impulsiveness Caution

The phrase often implies a lack of thought or planning, suggesting impulsiveness.

Illustration for Impulsiveness Caution
He jumped the gun on the project and now we have to start over.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Negative Outcome

Using 'jump the gun' usually points to a negative result due to early action.

Illustration for Negative Outcome
Jumping the gun led to a misunderstanding with the client.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Metaphorical Use

Despite its origin in sports, the phrase is often used metaphorically in different situations.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
Don't jump the gun and assume they will agree to the deal.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Impulsiveness Caution

The phrase often implies a lack of thought or planning, suggesting impulsiveness.

Illustration for Impulsiveness Caution
He jumped the gun on the project and now we have to start over.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Negative Outcome

Using 'jump the gun' usually points to a negative result due to early action.

Illustration for Negative Outcome
Jumping the gun led to a misunderstanding with the client.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Metaphorical Use

Despite its origin in sports, the phrase is often used metaphorically in different situations.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
Don't jump the gun and assume they will agree to the deal.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Impulsiveness Caution

The phrase often implies a lack of thought or planning, suggesting impulsiveness.

Illustration for Impulsiveness Caution
He jumped the gun on the project and now we have to start over.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Negative Outcome

Using 'jump the gun' usually points to a negative result due to early action.

Illustration for Negative Outcome
Jumping the gun led to a misunderstanding with the client.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Metaphorical Use

Despite its origin in sports, the phrase is often used metaphorically in different situations.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
Don't jump the gun and assume they will agree to the deal.
Visual representation of the word "Jump the gun"

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