1. Expression：jump the gun

Explanation：To take action or finish a task before a deadline. （在最后期限前采取行动或完成任务，抢先交易）

Example：We have to get these pages to the printer by 8, so work faster, people—we've got to jump the gun!

我们必须在8点前把这些文件送到打印机那里，所以工作要快一些，同志们——我们必须抢先一步！

The book wasn't due to be released until September 10 but some booksellers have jumped the gun and decided to sell it early.

这本书本来要到9月10日才会上市，但一些书商却抢先一步，决定提前销售。

A: How about going out to celebrate?

出去庆祝一下怎么样?

B：I haven't definitely got the job yet so let's not jump the gun.

我还没有得到那份工作，所以我们不要操之过急。

2. Expression：a lick and a promise

Explanation：The act of doing something hurriedly and carelessly in order to get it done quickly and perhaps before a certain deadline. （草率行事，敷衍了事）

Example： I didn't have time to clean the entire house before my parents arrived so I just did it with a lick and a promise.

在我父母来之前，我没有时间打扫整个房子，所以我就草草地打扫了一下。

I was pressed for time so I just gave the housework a lick and a promise.

我的时间很紧张，所以我就草草率率地做了这些家务活。

Mary spent so much time on her history paper that she had to finish her math homework with a lick and a promise.

Mary在她的历史试卷上花了太多的时间，以至于她不得不马马虎地完成她的数学作业。

Paul came home late last night and only give himself a lick and a promise before going to bed.

Paul昨晚很晚回家，只马虎的梳洗一下就上床睡觉了。