Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

Jump the gun

Start something too soon or act hastily

The most appropriate meaning of the idiom "jump the gun" is >Start something too soon or act hastily.<

This idiom is often used to describe someone who takes action before it is necessary or appropriate. It can also be used to describe someone who makes a decision without thinking it through carefully.

The other options are not correct.

• To watch a person carefully is not the same as jumping the gun.
• There is always a cost to do something, but this is not the meaning of the idiom.
• Intentionally raising a false alarm is not the same as jumping the gun.