Meanings
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."
How to pronounce "go off half-cocked":
AU
: To take a premature or ill-considered action.
Example Sentences
1
He shouldn't go off half-cocked and make accusations without evidence.
2
Don't go off half-cocked and sign the contract without reading it thoroughly.
3
He tends to go off half-cocked without considering all the consequences.
4
The company should not make decisions when they are angry and go off half-cocked.
5
He tends to go off half-cocked without consulting others for advice.
