How to Use 'Put the Cart Before the Horse' in English: Phrases for Wrong Order and Timing


Introduction 🐎

“Putting the cart before the horse” is a common English idiom about doing things in the wrong order. Let’s explore various expressions and phrases that express similar ideas about timing and sequence!

Basic Expressions 🛒

Core Expressions About Wrong Order

  • put the cart before the horse
  • jump the gun
  • count your chickens before they hatch
  • cross that bridge when you come to it
  • crawl before you walk
  • walk before you run
  • get ahead of yourself
  • too much too soon
  • Premature / rushed
  • Hasty / hurried
  • Impulsive / rash
  • Methodical / systematic
  • Sequential / orderly
  • Well-planned / organized

Useful Expressions and Examples 🕰️

When Talking About Rushing

Example 1: “You’re putting the cart before the horse by buying furniture before finding an apartment.”

“Let’s not jump the gun - we should wait for the test results first.”

When Talking About Planning

Example 2: “We need to take this one step at a time.”

“First things first, let’s make a proper plan.”

When Giving Advice About Timing

Example 3: “You have to learn to walk before you can run.”

“Don’t get ahead of yourself - focus on the basics first.”

Conversation Examples 💬

Workplace Conversation

A: “I’m thinking of quitting my job to start my own business!”

B: “Do you have a business plan?”

A: “Not yet, but I’m sure it’ll work out.”

B: “Aren’t you putting the cart before the horse?”

Study Advice Conversation

A: “I want to take advanced calculus next semester.”

B: “Have you completed basic algebra yet?”

A: “No, but I think I can handle it.”

B: “You need to learn to walk before you can run.”

Grammar Points 📝

Using Sequence Words

  1. first, then, next, finally Example: “First make a plan, then gather resources.”

  2. before / after + gerund Example: “Before starting a business, write a business plan.”

  3. until + present simple Example: “Don’t quit your job until you have savings.”

Common Mistakes ❌

Incorrect: “You are putting cart before horse.” Correct: “You are putting the cart before the horse.”

Incorrect: “We should walk before to run.” Correct: “We should walk before running.”

Situational Phrases 🎯

Expressing Need for Order

  • “Let’s take it step by step.”
  • “One thing at a time.”
  • “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”

Advising Against Rushing

  • “Slow and steady wins the race.”
  • “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
  • “Good things come to those who wait.”

Proper Sequence Phrases

  • “In due time”
  • “When the time is right”
  • “Everything in its proper order”

Idioms ⏰

  • “Look before you leap”
  • “Don’t run before you can walk”
  • “All in good time”

Additional Vocabulary 📚

Words About Sequence

  • sequence / order
  • steps / stages
  • progression / development
  • timeline / schedule
  • preparation / planning
  • implementation / execution

Summary ✨

Key Points to Remember

  1. Learn basic sequence-related vocabulary
  2. Understand common idioms about timing
  3. Practice using proper sequence words

Remember that English has many ways to talk about doing things in the right order. These expressions will help you discuss timing and sequence correctly!

Remember to use these phrases when discussing planning, timing, and the proper order of events in English conversations!




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