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Definitions from the Web

Horse Before the Cart

Description

The phrase "horse before the cart" is an idiomatic expression that refers to a situation where things are done in the wrong order or out of sequence. It symbolizes the concept of prioritizing or doing things in a logical progression.

Part of Speech

Noun phrase and idiomatic expression

Senses

Sense 1: Incorrect order or sequence

When used in this sense, "horse before the cart" implies that important steps or actions are being done before their prerequisite ones, often resulting in confusion or inefficiency.

Example Sentences:

• He wanted to buy a new car before saving any money for the down payment, but that's putting the horse before the cart.
• The company decided to release the product without testing it thoroughly, and now they are facing numerous issues. It's a classic case of putting the horse before the cart.

Sense 2: Challenging the conventional order

In this sense, "horse before the cart" can depict a deliberate deviation from the conventional order, often to emphasize innovation, creativity, or non-traditional thinking.

Example Sentences:

• The artist believed in putting the horse before the cart and experimented with new painting techniques.
• Instead of following the usual recipe, the chef decided to put the horse before the cart by introducing an unconventional ingredient to create a unique flavor.

Usage

The phrase "horse before the cart" is commonly used in informal contexts such as conversations, written narratives, and situations where the incorrect order of actions or unconventional thinking needs to be conveyed.

Related Products

Here are some related products available on Amazon:

• Horse Books
• Horse Toys
• Horse Cart Model