Jump the gun
2020.02.20
Meaning:
`Jump the gun` means to do something too soon, without thinking. This expression comes from the racetrack. Traditionally, someone fires a starter gun at the beginning of a race, so that runners know when to start running. However, some people get nervous and start running before the gun is fired. If they do this too much, they automatically lose the race. So in everyday life, ‘jump the gun’ also suggests that your sudden, thoughtless move will end in failure.
Example:
A: I want to ask Lisa to marry me.
B: Aw, my friend, don’t jump the gun. She’s great, but you just met a month ago.
A: I don’t want to jump the gun, but I think I have to quit this job.
B: Come and have a coffee with me and talk it through. Don’t rush.
Talking Point(s):
Do you tend to jump the gun when making big decisions?
大人からの英会話getgo 西船橋・荻窪・津田沼・本八幡