See also: go off halfcocked

English [ edit ]

Etymology [ edit ]

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."

Pronunciation [ edit ]

Audio (AU)

Verb [ edit ]

go off half-cocked

( idiomatic , colloquial ) : To take a premature or ill-considered action. Make sure none of your men go off half-cocked and ruin this operation.