jump the gun

Meaning

To do or say something before the correct, appropriate, or scheduled time; to act prematurely. In professional contexts, this often refers to launching projects or making announcements before preparations are complete.

Examples

• We shouldn't jump the gun and announce the partnership before the contract is officially signed.

  We shouldn't jump the gun and announce the partnership before the contract is officially signed.

• I think you jumped the gun by booking the flights before your visa was approved.

  I think you jumped the gun by booking the flights before your visa was approved.

• The press jumped the gun and reported the acquisition a week before it actually happened.

  The press jumped the gun and reported the acquisition a week before it actually happened.

• Let's wait for the laboratory results instead of jumping the gun and assuming the product is faulty.

  Let's wait for the laboratory results instead of jumping the gun and assuming the product is faulty.

• He jumped the gun by quitting his job before he received a formal offer from the new company.

  He jumped the gun by quitting his job before he received a formal offer from the new company.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ Don't jump a gun.

  ✓ Don't jump the gun.

  The idiom always uses the definite article 'the', originating from runners starting a race before the starting gun fires.

• ✗ She jumped on the gun with her decision.

  ✓ She jumped the gun with her decision.

  Do not add the preposition 'on' after 'jump'. The verb directly precedes 'the gun'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• We shouldn't ___ and order the inventory before we know how many customers actually want it.

  💡 To act prematurely.

  Show answer

  jump the gun

• I apologize for ___; I should have waited for your approval before sending the email.

  💡 Acting too early (use the -ing form).

  Show answer

  jumping the gun