- To start doing something too soon, prematurely, or before the proper time.
Explanation
Origin
- Comes from track and field athletics.
- A runner who starts running before the starter's pistol (the gun) is fired is penalized for a false start, having jumped the gun.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Rushed it
- Got ahead of yourself/themselves
- Pulled the trigger too soon (Similar metaphor)
- Didn't wait for the green light
Milder/Standard:
- Acted prematurely
- Was too hasty
- Started too early
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal.
- Widely acceptable in casual conversation and most business contexts.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Can be misinterpreted literally if the context isn't clear (e.g., thinking it involves actual guns or jumping).
Examples
- The company jumped the gun by announcing the product before it was ready.
- Don't jump the gun and assume you got the job; wait for the official offer.
- He jumped the gun and told everyone the news before it was confirmed.
Dialogue
Chen: I saw the 'For Sale' sign go up, so I put in an offer on the house immediately!
Maria: Wow, did you even view it inside first?
Chen: No, I just saw the pictures online.
Maria: Aren't you jumping the gun a bit? You should always inspect a property thoroughly.
Chen: Maybe, but I didn't want to miss out!
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Media really jumped the gun on reporting that story. Now issuing corrections. #CheckYourSources
- Facebook Comment: Maybe don't jump the gun planning the wedding before you're actually engaged? Just saying! 😉
- Forum Post: Did the developers jump the gun releasing this patch? Seems buggy.
Response Patterns
- Agreement: Yeah, they definitely rushed into it.
- Caution: Let's wait a bit longer. / Are you sure it's the right time?
- Disagreement: I don't think it was too early, it was necessary.
- Asking for reason: Why did they start so early?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone is accused of jumping the gun:
- They might defend their timing (I wanted to get ahead!).
- Ask What makes you say that? or Why was it too early?.
After observing someone jump the gun:
- Discuss the potential negative consequences.
- Ask What prompted them to act so quickly?.
Conversation Starter
- No. It's a comment on an action that has happened or is about to happen.
Intonation
- Emphasis usually on jump and gun. Don't JUMP the GUN.
Generation Differences
- Commonly understood and used across most generations.
Regional Variations
- Very common in American English; also widely used in UK, Canada, Australia etc.