# jump the gun

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/jump-the-gun
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To act or begin too soon or without due caution.

## Examples

- Don't jump the gun before you know all the facts.
- I bought the plane tickets before my boss approved my vacation, so I really jumped the gun.
- Investors often jump the gun by purchasing shares based on rumors rather than waiting for the official quarterly financial report.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.