mettre la charrue avant les bœufs

French

Etymology

Literally, to put the cart before the oxen.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /mɛ.tʁə la ʃa.ʁy a.vɑ̃ le bø/
  • Audio:(file)

Verb

mettre la charrue avant les bœufs

  1. (figuratively) to put the cart before the horse (to put things in the wrong order or with the wrong priorities; to put something inconsequential as more important than something more essential)

See also