go off half-cocked

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Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Verb 1.3 See also

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

From the days of flintlock and caplock firearms, where the half-cock position of the hammer was both a rudimentary safety, and the proper position for priming the pan or inserting a percussion cap. The phrase was originally rendered, "to go off at half-cock."

[edit] Verb

go off half-cocked

1. (idiomatic) (colloquial): To take a premature or ill-considered action.

   Make sure none of your men go off half-cocked and ruin this operation.

[edit] See also

• flash in the pan
• lock, stock and barrel