This week’s phrase of the week has nothing to do with rising and shining or getting what you pay for.

It has a lot to do with patience and order.

Put the cart before the horse: What does it mean?

This week’s English phrase of the week is the idiom phrase “put the cart before the horse”.

This phrase means doing things in the wrong order.

Why?

Think about a horse-powered cart. The horse is first, and pulls the cart.

That’s the idea behind this phrase.

Leave things in proper order. The horse goes before the cart. Horse first, cart second.

It’s usually said as warning, or advice, with a “negative” verb in front of it. (Think: do not)

Examples:

Wayne: “I already know what I am going to do when I win the Powerball. ”

Garth: Don’t put the cart before the horse. You have a better chance of drowning in a bathtub than winning the Powerball!”

Joe: “I have a job interview next week, I can’t wait to start the new job.”

Jimmy: Don’t put the cart before the horse, Joe! You didn’t even have the interview yet, so don’t plan on getting the job offer already; you might get disappointed!

Action:

Did you find this phrase useful? Then please share it with one friend by emailing them or sharing on facebook. Thank you, and see you next week!

 

Photo Credit: Bill Burris