jump the gun

USAGE SUMMARY

"jump the gun" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to when someone takes an action before the appropriate time or before all the conditions are right. For example, "John jumped the gun and announced the news before everyone was ready to hear it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It started off last July with the phrase JUMP THE GUN.

The New York Times

But New York refused to jump the gun.

The New Yorker

"I don't want to jump the gun.

The New York Times

But did I jump the gun?

The Guardian

Don't jump the gun on getting back to grazing.

Cornell University

Officials warned the MDC not to jump the gun.

The Economist

David McAuley For a start, we shouldn't jump the gun.

The Guardian

Some people jump the gun because of their ambitions.

The New York Times

"But I'm not going to jump the gun.

The Guardian - Sport

"I don't think anybody should jump the gun".

The New York Times

First, it's important not to jump the gun.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "jump the gun" to caution against premature actions, especially in situations where careful planning or waiting for the right moment is crucial.

Common error

Don't "jump the gun" by assuming outcomes or making decisions before having all the necessary information. Always gather sufficient data before acting.

How to use

Learn how to use "jump the gun" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "jump the gun" functions as a verb phrase, often used to describe the action of starting something too early or acting prematurely. Ludwig AI supports this function, showing examples where it's used to caution against acting without due caution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

10%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "jump the gun" is a very common idiomatic phrase that means to act prematurely or before the appropriate time. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, primarily in News & Media. The phrase serves to advise caution against hasty actions. To avoid errors, ensure you have all necessary information before acting. Related phrases include "act prematurely" and "start too soon". Remembering not to "jump the gun" can help avoid potential mistakes or unintended consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start too soon

Emphasizes the premature nature of the action.

act prematurely

This alternative focuses on the timing of the action, similar to "jump the gun".

get out in front

Suggests taking a lead or initiative before it's appropriate.

move too fast

This suggests a pace that is quicker than advisable or appropriate.

get ahead of oneself

Implies overestimation of one's progress or capabilities.

be hasty

This describes acting with excessive speed and insufficient consideration.

be precipitous

Indicates a rush or lack of caution in decision-making.

anticipate events

Focuses on acting based on expectations rather than current conditions.

make a head start

This highlights an early advantage or beginning.

overstep the mark

This implies going beyond what is considered acceptable or appropriate.

FAQs

What does it mean to "jump the gun"?

To "jump the gun" means to act prematurely or before the appropriate time, often leading to unintended consequences or mistakes.

How can I use "jump the gun" in a sentence?

You can use "jump the gun" like this: "The company "acted prematurely" and announced the product launch before it was fully ready."

What is a synonym for "jump the gun"?

A synonym for "jump the gun" is to "start too soon". Both phrases imply that an action was taken before the right moment.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "jump the gun"?

It's appropriate to use the phrase "jump the gun" when you want to advise someone against "being hasty" or acting without sufficient information or preparation.