Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

to jump the gun

idiom
/tə dʒʌmp ðə ɡʌn/
Definition
To act prematurely or before the proper time.
Examples
  • He jumped the gun by submitting his application before the deadline.
  • Don’t jump the gun on this project; we need to gather more information first.
Meaning
This phrase often refers to starting something before the official start or before one is ready, typically in a competitive context.
Synonyms
  • act too soon
  • get ahead of oneself
  • hurry