As a language expert with a deep understanding of idioms and their origins, I can provide a detailed explanation of the phrase "don't put the cart before the horse."
The idiom "don't put the cart before the horse" means not to reverse the natural order or sequence of things. It is used to caution someone against taking action before the necessary prerequisites have been met. The phrase comes from the practical consideration that if you place a cart in front of the horse that is meant to pull it, the cart will not move, and the horse will be confused and unable to perform its intended function.
Here's the explanation with the key phrase in red:
"The idiom 'don't put the cart before the horse' advises against
reversing the natural order of things. It suggests that one should not act before the necessary conditions or steps have been fulfilled."
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