Meaning of 'Go off half-cocked'
What does the saying 'Go off half-cocked' mean?
Idiom: Go off half-cocked
Meaning:
If you go off half-cocked, you take a rash action without being prepared for the consequences. It refers to an old fashioned single action revolver, which had a half-cock position in the action where it would supposedly not fire. If you made a mistake and it was at full cock, you would fire prematurely, possibly with devastating results.
Similar Idioms
- Half-baked
- Cheap at half the price
- Half a mind
- Better half
- All over Hell's half acre
- Knock into a cocked hat
- Too clever by half
- Half a shake
- Six of one and half-a-dozen of the other
- Half a loaf is better than no bread
Idiom eBooks from UsingEnglish.com
Explore our collection of idiom eBooks to deepen your understanding of English expressions. Download curated lists of idioms in PDF format - ideal for offline study or classroom use!
Know of an idiom that’s missing? Suggest an idiom using our online form.
See also:
- View examples in Google: Go off half-cocked
- Idiom Quizzes