Jump the gun
/dʒʌmp ðə ɡʌn/informalUK · US
What does “Jump the gun” mean?
Jump the gun means to act too soon, before the right time or signal
Announcing a party before the venue confirms your booking would be jumping the gun. The problem is the timing, even if the plan itself is good.
You can soften a correction with “Are we jumping the gun?” It asks whether more information is needed before moving ahead.
When do people say it?
Use it when someone announces, decides or starts something prematurely. It often suggests they should have waited for confirmation.
“I jumped the gun and sent invitations before the venue confirmed our booking.”
Is it formal or informal?
Register: informal. It is most at home in everyday conversation rather than formal writing. Most common in UK and US.
Where does it come from?
A race starts at the sound of a starting gun. Moving before that signal gives the phrase its picture of acting too early.
Origin confidence: Disputed; treat with caution
How do you say “Jump the gun” in other languages?
Last updated 2026-10-01