GO OFF HALF-COCKED • FREE TRANSLATOR.ORG • Definition of Go off half-cocked

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/goʊ ɔf hæf-kɑkt/ Listen

verb

Halfcock v. t. (past & past part. halfcocked; pres. part. halfcocking) To set the cock of (a firearm) at the first notch.

To go off half-cocked, To go off halfcocked.

(a)

To be discharged prematurely, or with the trigger at half cock; said of a firearm.

(b)

To do or say something without due thought or care. (Colloq. or Low)

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Etymology of 'Go off half-cocked'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Go off half-cocked" Quotes from Famous Books

... this far by your own effort, justified by your own personal emotions, and driven by an urge that is all-powerful if I am to believe the books I've read on the subject. You are told this much of the truth so that you won't go off half-cocked with a fine collection of rather dangerous ...

— The Fourth R • George Oliver Smith