What does go off half-cocked mean?
Definitions for go off half-cocked
go off half-cocked
This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word go off half-cocked.
Princeton's WordNet
go off half-cocked, go off at half-cockverb
act prematurely or without reflection or too soon
"she wanted to quit her job but her mother told her not to go off half-cocked"
Wiktionary
go off half-cockedverb
To take a premature or ill-considered action.
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."
ChatGPT
go off half-cocked
To go off half-cocked means to act or proceed hastily, recklessly or without adequate preparation or consideration. It refers to doing something without thinking through the possible consequences, or making a decision without all the necessary information. This phrase typically has a negative connotation and is used to warn against impulsive behaviors that could lead to negative results. It originated from an old gun term, where "half-cocked" refers to a gun that is not fully ready to fire.
Matched Categories
Numerology
Chaldean Numerology
The numerical value of go off half-cocked in Chaldean Numerology is: 2
Pythagorean Numerology
The numerical value of go off half-cocked in Pythagorean Numerology is: 9
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"go off half-cocked." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 14 Jan. 2025. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/go+off+half-cocked>.
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