[Idiom] GO OFF HALF-COCKED. - Learn How Idioms Explain Hasty Actions
Go off half-cocked.
/ɡoʊ ɒf hæfˈkɒkd/
To act or react without preparation or thought.
Go off half-cocked" is often used to describe someone who acts impulsively, without full consideration of the consequences. Originating from the days when firearms had to be manually cocked, setting a gun at half-cock was supposed to be a safety measure. If the gun went off in this state, it was premature and accidental—just like actions done in haste.
Example Sentences
He often goes off half-cocked without all the facts.
- He often acts impulsively without a full understanding of the situation.
Don’t go off half-cocked; make sure you understand the instructions.
- Advised to fully understand something before acting to avoid mistakes.
Rushing into the project, she went off half-cocked and made several mistakes in her presentation.
- She rushed into the project and made many errors due to insufficient preparation.