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Go off half-cocked

verb, slang

Definitions

Verb
  1. 1
    To take a premature or ill-considered action. colloquial, idiomatic

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

  2. 2
    act prematurely or without reflection or too soon wordnet

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."

See also for "go off half-cocked"

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