Jump the gun — to act too hastily; to start something before the appropriate or agreed time. It implies impatience or premature action that leads to problems.
Origin & History
The idiom originates from athletics. In track and field races, a starting pistol (the "gun") is fired to signal the start. A runner who begins moving before the gun fires has "jumped the gun" — a false start that disqualifies them. The phrase entered figurative use in the early 20th century and is now widely used beyond sports.
The expression captures the idea of impatience and acting before the correct moment, with the implication that doing so will cause problems or require backtracking.
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| Don't jump the gun — wait until we have all the information. | Advising patience |
| They jumped the gun by announcing the merger before it was signed. | Business announcement |
| I jumped the gun and booked the flights before the dates were confirmed. | Travel planning mistake |
| The press jumped the gun and published the story too early. | Media reporting |
| Don't jump the gun with congratulations — the results aren't final yet. | Premature celebration |
Use It in Conversation
Dialogue Example
Chris: I've already told everyone we got the contract!
Nat: You may have jumped the gun a bit — we haven't received the signed paperwork yet.
Chris: Oh no. I hope I haven't spoken too soon.
How to Use It
This idiom is used when someone acts or speaks before the right moment. It can be used to warn ("don't jump the gun"), describe a past mistake ("she jumped the gun"), or comment on someone else's premature action. It often implies that the hasty action created a problem or embarrassment.
Common Mistakes
Mistakes to Avoid
He jumped a gun and sent the email early.
He jumped the gun and sent the email early. — Always use 'the gun', not 'a gun'.
She jumped the gun to act too fast.
She jumped the gun by acting too fast. — Use 'by' + gerund to explain the action.