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Region: General | Usage example: They jumped the gun by announcing before the contract was signed.

Jump the gun

Meaning

Start too soon or act prematurely.

Usage

Used in sports and general contexts.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Track races starting before the gunshot.

Used in 20th-century athletic reports.

Related Idioms

Jump on the bandwagon

Adopt a popular trend or join others in doing something.

Jump through hoops

Do complicated or unnecessary tasks to achieve something.

Jump the shark

Reach a point where something loses credibility.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.