jump the gun
Meaning: To do something prematurely; to start early, before all the preparations have been made.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Category: Daily Life
Origin: The expression probably originates from foot racing, in which an overly anxious runner would accidentally begin the race before the starting gun was fired.
More idioms — Daily Life
- jumping-off point — A starting place or inspiration.
- keep one's cool — To stay calm under stress; not to become angry.
- keep one's eyes peeled — To be alert and watchful; to look very carefully for something or someone.
- keep one's fingers crossed — To hope for something; to wish for luck.
- keep one's shirt on — To stay calm or be patient when someone wants to hurry.
- keep one's wits about one — To pay attention and be ready to react.
More English idioms
- kangaroo court — A court set up outside the regular legal system; staged trial where the outcome is set fr…
- keep someone at arm's length — To keep someone at a distance emotionally.
- keep something under one's hat — To keep something secret.
- keep the ball rolling — To maintain momentum; to keep some process going.
- keep up with the joneses — To have the same standard of living as one's friends and neighbors do.
- keyed up — Full of nervous anticipation; anxious; tense.
Loading the full interactive collection…