Italian Expression · Intermediate
mettere il carro davanti ai buoi
to put the cart before the horse
Pronunciation: MET-teh-reh eel KAR-roh dah-VAN-tee ah-ee BWOH-ee
Meaning
To do things in the wrong order or sequence, resulting in inefficiency or failure.
Example
Non dobbiamo mettere il carro davanti ai buoi, prima pianifichiamo e poi agiamo.
We shouldn't put the cart before the horse, let's plan first and then act.
Common mistakes & tips
- Practice mettere il carro davanti ai buoi out loud — read the pronunciation guide above and repeat.
- Use it in your own sentence today; reuse beats rereading.
- Pay attention to context: this is a intermediate-level Italian expression.