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What does “jump the gun” mean?
Meaning, example sentences and a quick practice question.
B2
To act too soon, before the right moment
“Let's not jump the gun. We don't have all the facts yet.”
Say it smoothly: “jum-pthuh-gun”
From the B2 lesson On the Fence (decision idioms).
C1
To act too early, before the right or appropriate moment
“Let's not jump the gun and announce it too soon.”
From the C1 lesson Playing It by Ear (time and timing).
C1
To act too soon, before the right moment
“Let's not jump the gun. We haven't seen the contract yet.”
From the C1 lesson On the Fence (decision idioms).
Quick check
What does “jump the gun” mean?
Teaching this phrase?“jump the gun” is part of a ready-to-teach lesson, with a reading, three exercises, speaking tasks and an answer key, in Everyday English Chunks B2 Pack 4 (Communication, Decisions and Habits) and Everyday English Chunks C1 Pack 2 (Plans, Problems and Feelings) and Everyday English Chunks C1 Pack 4 (Communication, Decisions and Habits).
See the B2 lesson pack See the C1 lesson pack See the C1 lesson pack
See the B2 lesson pack See the C1 lesson pack See the C1 lesson pack
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Related phrases
- be on the fenceto be undecided about something
- cross that bridge when you come to itto deal with a problem only when it actually happens
- weigh the pros and consto consider the advantages and disadvantages of something
- sleep on itto wait until the next day before making a decision
- the lesser of two evilsthe less unpleasant of two bad options
- put your foot downto firmly refuse or insist on something
- leap before you lookto act quickly without thinking about the consequences
- change your mindto decide differently from a decision you made before
- stick to your gunsto firmly maintain your position or decision, even under pressure
- play it by earto decide how to handle something as it happens, without a fixed plan
- at the drop of a hatimmediately, without any hesitation or planning
- cut it fineto leave yourself very little extra time before a deadline