CART BEFORE THE HORSE

(to put) {n. phr.}, {informal} Things in wrong order; something backwards or mixed up. - An overused expression. Usually used with "put" but sometimes with "get" or "have". * /When the salesman wanted money for goods he hadn't delivered, I told him he was putting the cart before the horse./ * /To get married first and then get a job is getting the cart before the horse./