Don’t Get the Cart in Front of the Mules

In Southern and Appalachian speech, "don’t get the cart in front of the mules" means don’t rush ahead or plan out of order - handle the steps in the right sequence.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #Animals #Southern #FarmTalk #Proverbs

synonyms: don’t put the cart before the horse, slow down, take it step by step

Hillbilly Dude Says...

'Don’t get the cart in front of the mules' is one of those that feel really familiar, but I can't pinpoint it specifically.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

'Don’t get the cart in front of the mules' is one of those that feel really familiar, but I can't pinpoint it specifically.

Pronunciation

[don’t GET thuh CART in FRUNT uh the MYOOLZ]
/doʊnt ɡɛt ðə kɑrt ɪn frʌnt ə ðə mjuːlz/

Meaning & Usage

- Doing things out of order / rushing ahead (saying)

Mae:

We ain’t even planted yet and you’re talkin’ about harvest.

Earl:

Don’t get the cart in front of the mules now.

- Trying to force progress before groundwork is done (saying)

Ruby:

We ain’t got the roof fixed but you’re pickin’ paint colors.

Estel:

Cart’s in front of the mules again.

variations: don’t put the cart before the mules, cart before the mules, don’t get ahead of yourself

★ The mule version carries extra Southern flavor. Mules were the backbone of farm work - so no Southerner would dream of hitchin’ things backwards. ★

Origin and Etymology

A regional adaptation of the older English proverb "don’t put the cart before the horse." In the rural South and Appalachia, mules were far more common work animals than horses, and the saying naturally shifted to reflect local farm life.

Usage Notes

Still heard in rural Southern and Appalachian communities, especially among older speakers and anyone who grew up around farming. Used when someone tries to plan too far ahead, skip steps, or assume an outcome before doing the groundwork.

A gentle reminder to slow down and follow a proper sequence.
Most common in practical advice and family or farm talk.
The mule reference marks it as distinctly Southern/Appalachian.
Often used humorously to rein in over-enthusiasm.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Is it the same as "don’t put the cart before the horse"?

Yes - the meaning is the same, but "mules" makes it a Southern/Appalachian version.

Do people still say it today?

Yes, especially in rural areas, among older folks, or anyone using farm-based sayings.

Is it always critical?

No - often it’s said with humor to remind someone not to jump ahead.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, December 10). Don’t Get the Cart in Front of the Mules. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/cart-in-front-of-the-mules
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Don’t Get the Cart in Front of the Mules." HillbillySlang.com, 10 Dec. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/cart-in-front-of-the-mules.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Don’t Get the Cart in Front of the Mules." HillbillySlang.com. December 10, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/cart-in-front-of-the-mules.