The origins and meaning of mettre la charrue avant les bœufs

This expression will be integrated into your everyday French language toolkit in no time, but let’s not mettre la charrue avant les bœufs… 

First, let’s look at the meaning behind this farm-themed phrase and explain how and when you could use it in conversation. 

What does mettre la charrue avant les bœufs mean?

It literally translates as: to put the plough before the oxen. 

English speakers may be familiar with a similar version of the same expression: to ‘put the cart before the horse’. 

It is used to describe the idea of getting ahead of yourself and tackling a problem in the wrong order. In other words, you cannot attempt something complex before ensuring that the simple, fundamental elements have been established.

The phrase can also be used to suggest that someone could benefit from reevaluating their priorities.

What are the origins of mettre la charrue avant les bœufs?

The saying dates back to the 16th century when traditional farming methods meant manual ploughs were pulled through fields by a small herd of oxen.

The key word in the expression is avant. The plough could not be set up in front of the oxen as the animals would not have been able to push the farming equipment.

Instead of referring to the physical location, avant could also be understood as implying it would be senseless to bring out the plough before preparing the oxen, as the task is typically completed the other way around. 

The meaning behind the expression therefore stems from this image, and the idea that rushing things or completing steps in the wrong order could actually hinder your progress. 

When do you say mettre la charrue avant les bœufs?

Say this to suggest that something has been done back to front:

• Appelle-le avant de partir. Il n’est peut-être pas à la maison. Ne mets pas la charrue avant les bœufs – Call him before leaving. He may not be at home Do not do things backwards. 

It can also imply that someone is getting ahead of themselves:

• Elle met toujours la charrue avant les bœufs et finit par devoir recommencer toute la tâche depuis le début – She always puts the cart before the horse and ends up having to start the task over again. 

To whom do you say mettre la charrue avant les bœufs?

It is colloquial, neutral language that can be used in a variety of situations, with friends, family or even colleagues.

Some people may not appreciate being told that they need to slow down and start again, so keep this in mind when using the expression and adjust your tone of voice accordingly.

The saying could also be used in combination with another French phrase: ne t'emballe pas (literally: do not wrap yourself up). This is said to encourage someone to keep their feet on the ground and warn them against getting carried away. 

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