das Pferd von hinten aufzäumen
to go about something the wrong way; to start at the wrong end
Origin
Figuratively: one normally puts the bridle on the horse's head, not its tail - so to bridle 'from behind' means to start the wrong way round. The exact origin is unclear, but Luther already used the phrase in 1530.
Building blocks
Words in this expression
bevor· beforedas Dach· roofdas Fundament· foundationhinten· at the backdas Pferd· horseplanen· to plan
Grammar that uses this word
- Passive replacement: sich lassen + infinitivePassiversatz: sich lassen + Infinitiv
- Consecutive and final clauses contrasted (sodass / damit / um … zu)Konsekutiv- und Finalsätze im Kontrast (sodass / damit / um … zu)
Examples
Erst das zu , das steht, heißt das von aufzäumen.
Planning the roof before the foundation is laid means putting the cart before the horse.