English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Jump to conclusions
Meaning
The idiom "jump to conclusions" refers to making a decision or forming an opinion without having enough evidence or information. It is a hasty and impulsive action that can lead to incorrect judgments or misconceptions. The figurative meaning of the idiom suggests that someone is behaving like a child jumping to conclusions instead of thinking critically and objectively.
Usage
- It's not fair for her to jump to conclusions without knowing all the facts.
- I try not to jump to conclusions when it comes to relationships.
- The manager jumped to conclusions about the employee's performance without giving them a chance to explain themselves.
- We should be cautious and not jump to conclusions before investigating further.
- It's important to gather all the information before jumping to conclusions. The usage of the idiom can vary depending on the context. In some cases, it may be used to criticize someone for making a hasty decision without enough evidence, while in others, it may be used to describe one's own behavior and encourage them to think more critically.
Roots and History
The exact origin of the idiom "jump to conclusions" is unclear. However, it has been in use since at least the 18th century. The earliest known use of the idiom was recorded in a collection of proverbs in 1764, where it was written as "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush; and if you jump to conclusions from too little evidence, you may lose both." The meaning of the idiom has remained relatively consistent over time. However, its usage may have evolved to reflect changes in language and culture. For example, the phrase "without enough evidence" may have become more common as people became more aware of the importance of critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making.
Synonyms in English
- Leap to conclusions
- Make hasty judgments
- Be impulsive
- Draw quick conclusions
- Rush to judgment
Synonyms in other languages
- En français: sauter à des conclusions (to jump to conclusions)
- En español: saltarse conclusiones (to jump to conclusions)
- En italiano: giungere a conclusioni troppo prematuramente (to arrive at premature conclusions)
- En Deutsch: übermutige Schlüsse zeichnen (to draw hasty conclusions)
- En português: saltar às conclusões (to jump to conclusions)