Put the Cart Before The Horse: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Put the Cart Before The Horse” mean?

"Put the Cart Before The Horse" means to do things in the wrong order.

What context can I use the in?

Example

You can't start building the house without a blueprint, that's putting the cart before the horse.

Example

Let's make sure we have all the ingredients before we start cooking, we don't want to put the cart before the horse.

Example

Don't buy new furniture before finding a new place to live, that's putting the cart before the horse

Is “Put the Cart Before The Horse” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Put the Cart Before The Horse” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Put the Cart Before The Horse” effectively in context?

You can use "Put the Cart Before the Horse" to caution someone against doing things in the wrong order or prioritizing incorrectly. For example, if a friend is planning to buy furniture for their new apartment before signing the lease, you might say, 'Don't put the cart before the horse. Make sure you secure the apartment first.'

• 1. Planning

  Before you start writing the conclusion, make sure you have all the necessary evidence, otherwise you'll be putting the cart before the horse.

• 2. Cooking

  Let's make sure we have all the ingredients before we start cooking, we don't want to put the cart before the horse.

• 3. Construction

  You can't start building the house without a blueprint, that's putting the cart before the horse.

Similar phrases to “Put the Cart Before The Horse”:

Jump the gun

To start doing something too soon, without waiting for the appropriate time or information

Example

He jumped the gun and started celebrating before the final results were announced.

Count your chickens before they hatch

To make plans based on something that may not happen or is uncertain

Example

She was already planning her vacation before she even won the lottery. She was counting her chickens before they hatched.

Build castles in the air

To make plans or have dreams that are unlikely to come true

Example

He spent hours building castles in the air, imagining a life of luxury and fame.

Run before you can walk

To try to do something advanced or difficult before mastering the basics

Example

He wanted to play a complex piece on the piano, but he was running before he could walk.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Put the Cart Before The Horse” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Put the Cart Before the Horse" is unknown.

Is “Put the Cart Before The Horse” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Put the Cart Before the Horse" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to remind someone to prioritize correctly and do things in the right order.

What tone does “Put the Cart Before The Horse” have?

"Put the Cart Before the Horse" conveys a tone of caution and advice. It is used to warn against making mistakes by not following the proper sequence of actions.

Can “Put the Cart Before The Horse” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Put the Cart Before the Horse" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that highlights the importance of proper planning and order. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Don't put the cart before the horse. Make sure you have all the necessary information before making a decision.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Don't put the cart before the horse!' to imply the need for proper order.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• get ahead of oneself
• jump ahead
• reverse the order
• prioritize incorrectly
• do things out of order

Antonyms

• follow the proper order
• prioritize correctly
• do things in the right sequence