The idiom "jump the gun" means to act too soon or prematurely, without waiting for the appropriate time or signal. It is often used to describe someone who makes a decision or takes action before all the facts are known or before the right moment has arrived.
For example, if a student hears about an upcoming exam and starts studying for it before the teacher has officially announced it, they are said to have jumped the gun. Similarly, if a company announces a new product before it is fully developed or tested, they are jumping the gun.
The origin of this idiom comes from track and field events, where a runner who starts the race before the starting gun is fired is said to have jumped the gun and is disqualified.
In everyday conversations, you can use this idiom to caution someone against acting too quickly or to describe someone who has acted prematurely. For instance, you could say, "Don't jump the gun and make a decision before you have all the information" or "He jumped the gun and bought the car before he had even test-driven it."
• I was so excited to start my new job that I jumped the gun and arrived an hour early.
• The journalist was cautious not to jump the gun and publish inaccurate information without proper verification.
• The company announced a new product launch, but some employees jumped the gun and leaked the information to the public.
• The athlete was disqualified for jumping the gun and starting the race before the signal was given.
• My friend always jumps the gun and starts eating before everyone else is seated.
• The politician was criticized for jumping the gun and making accusations before all the facts were gathered.
• The company shouldn't jump the gun and make a decision before considering all the options.
• My friend always jumps the gun and starts eating before everyone else has their food.
• It's important to do your research and not jump the gun when investing in the stock market.
• I'm so excited for the party tonight, but I don't want to jump the gun and arrive too early.
• As a journalist, it's important to verify information and not jump the gun with breaking news stories.
• The politician's speech was criticized for jumping the gun and making promises that couldn't be kept.