Put the cart before the horse

usgb
phrase

To do things in the wrong order.

He started decorating the room before he even bought the house. He always puts the cart before the horse.
Visual representation of "put the cart before the horse" - To do things in the wrong order.

Often appears as...

  • always puts the cart before the horse
  • putting the cart before the horse again

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "put the cart before the horse"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Sequence Matters

The phrase emphasizes the importance of steps in a process.

Illustration for Sequence Matters
Plan before you act, or you'll be putting the cart before the horse.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

The phrase is metaphorical, not referring to an actual cart or horse.

Illustration for Not Literal
Deciding on a job title before the job role is like putting the cart before the horse.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Cultural Nuance

It's an English idiom that might not translate directly in other languages.

Illustration for Cultural Nuance
Having lived abroad, she knew saying 'put the cart before the horse' might confuse her non-English friends.
Visual representation of the word "Put the cart before the horse"

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