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What does "Put the cart before the horse" mean?
To do things in the wrong order or to reverse the proper sequence of actions.
When do you use "Put the cart before the horse"?
Use this phrase when someone is approaching a task or situation incorrectly, particularly when they are prioritizing or arranging steps in a way that is counterproductive.
"Put the cart before the horse" Usage Examples
- If you start planning the wedding before even getting engaged, you're really putting the cart before the horse.
- He put the cart before the horse by trying to sell the product before even developing a prototype.
- The team is putting the cart before the horse by focusing on marketing before finalizing the design.
- Don't put the cart before the horse; we need to secure funding before we can start the project.
- She was putting the cart before the horse by looking for a house before she had a job lined up.
"Put the cart before the horse" Explained
The phrase originates from the literal image of a horse being placed behind a cart, which is illogical because a horse is supposed to pull the cart. This imagery highlights the absurdity of reversing the natural order of things, thus serving as a metaphor for misguided priorities or actions.