jump the gun
To start something too soon
Literalmente: To leap or move before the starting pistol fires
Use this when someone acts prematurely or makes a move before it is officially time to start.
En 15 segundos
- Acting too early before the proper time.
- Originates from track races and starting pistols.
- Used when someone is being overly impatient or eager.
Significado
This phrase describes doing something way too early before you are supposed to. It is like trying to finish a race before the starting signal has even happened.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Talking about a new job
I don't want to jump the gun, but I think the interview went great.
I don't want to be too early, but I think the interview went great.
In a business meeting
Let's not jump the gun and hire someone before we have a budget.
Let's not act too soon and hire someone before we have a budget.
Texting a friend about a party
I totally jumped the gun and arrived an hour early!
I acted too soon and arrived an hour early!
Contexto cultural
The phrase originated in the early 20th century from competitive track and field. It refers to a runner starting the race before the starter's pistol is fired, which is a foul. It reflects the Western cultural emphasis on fair play and following established procedures.
Admitting Mistakes
Use this phrase to sound humble. Saying 'I jumped the gun' sounds much nicer than 'I was wrong.'
Don't confuse with 'Top Gun'
This has nothing to do with pilots or movies! It is strictly about starting a race too early.
En 15 segundos
- Acting too early before the proper time.
- Originates from track races and starting pistols.
- Used when someone is being overly impatient or eager.
What It Means
Jump the gun means you acted prematurely. You didn't wait for the right moment. You moved before the 'go' signal. It is about being too impatient. You might have good intentions. However, your timing was just off. It is like opening a gift before your birthday. Or telling a secret before it is official.
How To Use It
Use it as a verb phrase. You can say someone jumped the gun. You can also tell someone don't jump the gun. It works well when discussing plans. Use it when someone makes an assumption. It fits perfectly in conversations about timing. If you announce a promotion before signing the contract, you jumped the gun. It is a very common way to admit a mistake.
When To Use It
Use it at work during project launches. Use it with friends when planning a trip. It is great for sports or games. Use it when someone buys supplies for a hobby they haven't started. It works when a friend assumes they got a date. Even texting a 'thank you' too early counts. It is perfect for those 'oops' moments in life.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for serious physical accidents. It is not for literal jumping or falling. Avoid it in very somber or tragic situations. It feels a bit too lighthearted for a funeral. Do not use it if someone is just being fast. They must be too fast or early. If the timing was actually perfect, this phrase doesn't apply.
Cultural Background
This idiom comes from track and field racing. In the past, races started with a starter's pistol. If a runner moved before the shot, they jumped the gun. This resulted in a false start. Today, we use it for everything, not just sports. It captures the universal human struggle with patience. We all want to get to the finish line quickly!
Common Variations
Most people use the standard jump the gun. Sometimes you might hear get a head start. However, get a head start is usually a positive thing. Jump the gun is almost always a small mistake. You might also hear premature in formal settings. But jump the gun is much more colorful and common.
Notas de uso
The phrase is very versatile and safe for most situations. Just remember it usually carries a slight tone of 'oops' or 'be careful.'
Admitting Mistakes
Use this phrase to sound humble. Saying 'I jumped the gun' sounds much nicer than 'I was wrong.'
Don't confuse with 'Top Gun'
This has nothing to do with pilots or movies! It is strictly about starting a race too early.
The 'False Start' Connection
In American football, a similar mistake is called a 'false start.' You can use these interchangeably in casual talk.
Ejemplos
6I don't want to jump the gun, but I think the interview went great.
I don't want to be too early, but I think the interview went great.
The speaker is being cautious about their optimism.
Let's not jump the gun and hire someone before we have a budget.
Let's not act too soon and hire someone before we have a budget.
Used to prevent a premature business decision.
I totally jumped the gun and arrived an hour early!
I acted too soon and arrived an hour early!
A self-deprecating way to admit a timing mistake.
He already picked out baby names? Talk about jumping the gun!
He already picked out baby names? That is way too early!
Highlights the absurdity of moving too fast in a relationship.
Don't jump the gun and get angry before you hear the whole story.
Don't get angry too soon before you hear the whole story.
Used to ask for patience and a fair hearing.
The fans jumped the gun by celebrating before the whistle blew.
The fans celebrated too early before the whistle blew.
Refers to the literal and figurative start/end of a game.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best option to complete the sentence.
We shouldn't ___ and announce the winner until all the votes are counted.
Announcing a winner before counting votes is a classic example of acting too early.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'I bought a wedding dress for my second date!' B: 'Whoa, don't you think you're ___?'
Buying a wedding dress after only two dates is definitely acting way too soon.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality of 'Jump the Gun'
Used with friends and family.
I jumped the gun on that text.
Perfect for the office or general talk.
Let's not jump the gun on the project.
Might use 'premature' instead.
The decision was somewhat premature.
When to say 'Jump the Gun'
Job Offers
Telling people you got the job before the call.
Relationships
Saying 'I love you' on the first date.
Shopping
Buying accessories for a car you haven't bought.
Arguments
Getting mad before you know the facts.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNot usually! It is a friendly way to point out that someone is being a bit too fast or eager.
Yes, it is acceptable in most professional emails. For example, I don't want to jump the gun, but we should prepare the files.
You might say someone is dragging their feet if they are being too slow.
No, it is entirely metaphorical. It refers to the starting pistol in a race.
No, the idiom is fixed. You must use the word gun for it to make sense.
It is used and understood in both American and British English.
Usually, it implies a mistake. If you want to be positive, use getting a head start instead.
Simply change jump to jumped. For example: He jumped the gun.
No, it is a standard idiom. It is safe for B2 learners to use in almost any context.
No, you jump the gun on an action or a situation, not a person directly.
Frases relacionadas
Get ahead of oneself
To plan too far in the future without finishing the present tasks.
Count one's chickens before they hatch
To assume success before it actually happens.
Beat someone to the punch
To do something before someone else does it.
Premature
Occurring or done before the usual or proper time.
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