Talk:go off half-cocked

Going off "Half Cocked"

Derived from the middle 1800's, it's a term that was used concerning a weapon; when the hammer of a long or short, black powder firearm was positioned in the "half cocked" position in order to prime the flint and chamber. Once the chamber is "charged" filled with enough powder to be ignited by the striking of the flint causing a spark, the internal charge is then exposed to ignition thus propelling the lead ball. The "hammer" of the fire arm must be pulled back to the "firing position" in order to create the correct chain of reactions igniting the internal (barrel) black powder charge. If the person using the weapon does not pull the "hammer" from the "half cocked position" the charge will not be able to perform the action of igniting the main firing load to it's capacity and in most cases will "misfire". It should be known by the person operating this weapon that the charge may still ignite in the "half cocked" position". In this case "ignorance is NOT bliss" it may cause you to be injured by your own lack of diligence or even defeated by your enemy.

In business this phrase "going off half cocked" (v.) is used as to mean; Performing an action before getting all facts in or acting prematurely; it's a negative term.(Don't go off half cocked and assume anything.), Performing a task without having all the information required to make a "professional decision". Going off "half cocked without having the correct materials to effectively complete a task.

Russ Henry