half-cocked

adjective

ˈhaf-ˈkäkt 

ˈhäf-

1

: being at half cock

2

: lacking adequate preparation or forethought

go off half-cocked

Word History

First Known Use

1689, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

half-cocked

adjective

-ˈkäkt

: lacking preparation or planning

went off half-cocked