Meaning
To jump the gun
Example
Ele queimou a largada e contou a surpresa antes da hora.
He jumped the gun and revealed the surprise too early.
Origin
A direct borrow from horse-racing and Formula 1 motorsport terminology. 'Queimar a largada' literally means to leave the starting line before the signal — a 'jump start.' Offenders are penalized in both sports.
Practice idioms with the Idiom Trainer
Falando's Idiom Trainer teaches you to recognize idiom meanings and create sentences using them, so you can speak like a Brazilian.
More idioms
Acertar na moscaTo guess correctly / To hit the nail on the headAmigo da onçaA fake/false friendAndar na linhaTo toe the line / To behave properlyArmar um barracoTo cause a public sceneRodar a baianaTo cause a public scene / To go ballisticArrumar sarna pra se coçarTo ask for troubleArrastar as asasTo hit on someone / To flirtAbrir o jogoTo come clean / To open upArregaçar as mangasTo roll up one's sleeves / To get to workAgarrar com unhas e dentesTo hold on for dear life / To seize an opportunity