rush your fences

rush (one's) fences

1. Literally, of a horse, to approach a fence too quickly before a jump, thus not having enough time and space to clear the hurdle. If your horse is rushing his fences, make an effort to maintain a nice, regular canter rhythm at all times.

2. By extension, to act hastily and recklessly; to not be prudent or cautious in one's actions or decisions. An allusion to horse jumping If you rush your fences and simply hire the first candidate you interview, you are bound to be disappointed.

See also: fence, rush

rush your fences

act with undue haste. British

This is a metaphor from horse riding: in the hunting field if you rush your fences , rather than tackling the obstacles steadily, you risk a fall.

See also: fence, rush