The expression mettre la charrue avant les boeufs can be considered as a proverb. It literally means “to put the plow before the oxen,” and the equivalent English expressions are “to put the cart before the horse” or “to jump the gun.” Just like in English, it is used when someone does things backward or in a disorderly manner. It also means that someone lacks pragmatism or is rushing through the work. This proverb is commonly used in the imperative or preceded by « il ne faut pas » when one wants to temper the enthusiasm of someone lacking experience.