Jump the gun

Meaning

The idiom "jump the gun" means to take action prematurely or before it's necessary. It is a figurative expression that implies acting without proper planning, consideration, or preparation.

Usage

• Sarah jumped the gun and started painting before she even sketched out her design. (The idiom is used in negative context to indicate premature action.)
• John decided to leave early and avoid traffic, but he ended up jumping the gun on his colleagues. (The idiom can be used in a positive or negative context, depending on whether it's seen as appropriate or not.)
• The company launched their new product before testing it thoroughly, which led to a lot of customer complaints. (The idiom is used to criticize an action that was taken too early.)
• The team that arrived first at the stadium jumped the gun and started cheering when they thought the game had already started. (The idiom can also be used in a humorous or lighthearted context.)
• The manager asked for volunteers to take on additional tasks, but some employees jumped the gun and volunteered without being asked. (The idiom is used to describe someone who was eager to do more than necessary.)

Roots and History

The origin of the idiom "jump the gun" is unclear, but there are several theories. One theory suggests that it comes from the practice of jumping over a fence or gate to get ahead in line at a fair or market. Another theory is that it refers to the tradition of firing a gun as a signal for starting a race, and jumping the gun means starting before the signal. The idiom has been used in English since at least the mid-19th century, according to the Oxford English Dictionary. Its meaning has remained relatively consistent over time, but it has been used more frequently in recent years due to increased communication and information sharing through technology.

Synonyms in English

• Act prematurely or before necessary
• Take action without proper planning or preparation
• Jump the gun on an opportunity or situation
• Be eager or enthusiastic about something
• Start too early or be overanxious

Synonyms in other languages

• Français: "Sauter en avant" (To jump ahead)
• Español: "Hacer falta" (To be late or miss an opportunity)
• Deutsch: "Vorausspringen" (To take action too soon)
• Italian: "Premiare un'occasione" (To seize an opportunity too early)
• Portuguese: "Jumpar a frente" (To go ahead or rush)

Similar Idioms

• jot or tittle

• just in case

• John Doe