Idiom of the Week Podcast—‘Jump the Gun’

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Sometimes idioms can be confusing. Because they are often metaphors, sometimes they don't make sense grammatically. The meaning often doesn't match the phrase itself. They often have quite specific origins and histories as well. This is why you may not immediately understand them. This can, however, make them quite interesting!

Listen to Charlotte's brilliant explanation on the commonly used idiom 'jump the gun'. Interestingly, this phrase has both a literal and metaphorical meaning. Here you'll also see some vocabulary Charlotte used in the podcast, and perhaps some extra related words/phrases, as well.

 

If you want to check your understanding and practise the next language you've learned, check out our bonus content! Not only can you complete a worksheet, but you can check the answers, too!


 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. jump the gun (expression)

    → 1: To do something before the proper time / 2: To start before the starting signal. (Originally used in sports contests that are started by firing a gun)

    I think we’re jumping the gun a little bit. I don’t like putting up Christmas decorations until the start of December.

    When we took the test, Tom jumped the gun and started early.

    We all had to start the race again because Jane jumped the gun.

    I probably jumped the gun with announcing our engagement before everyone was there, but I was just too excited.

    Henry jumped the gun and sent the proofs to the printer before the boss approved them, and she was not happy.

    They only just met—isn't it jumping the gun to be talking about marriage already?

    Don’t jump the gun. Wait until you’ve got all the information from the boss before you start the project.

  2. the Grand National (noun)

    → The most famous and important horse race in Britain, first run in 1839. It is a very long race, with many high fences for the horses to jump over, and it takes place every year in March or April at Aintree, near Liverpool. Many British people bet on the Grand National, even if they do not usually put money on horse races.

    He's training the horse for the Grand National.

    The 3 times Grand national winner never raced at Cheltenham

    The Grand National, first run on Feb. 26, 1839, is the biggest race of all.

    Do you always bet on the Grand National?

    The Grand National will be run in spite of the bad weather.

  1. When’s the last time you jumped the gun, but it actually worked in your favour?

  2. Do you think impulsive people are more likely to jump the gun, or can it happen to anyone?

  3. When’s the last time you jumped the gun?