---
name: avoid-acting-on-assumptions
description: Common mistake — proceeding with assumptions about ambiguous requirements instead of asking a clarifying question first. This skill reminds you to stop and ask before acting on uncertain interpretations.
category: common_mistakes
---

# Avoid Acting on Assumptions

**Mistake pattern:** User says something ambiguous → you assume the most likely interpretation → you deliver something → it's wrong.

**Fix:** When requirements are ambiguous, ask ONE clarifying question. The cost of pausing to ask is always lower than the cost of delivering the wrong result.

**Especially risky assumptions:**
- The target programming language or framework.
- Whether a file should be overwritten or appended.
- What "clean up" or "improve" means in context.
- Whether a test environment or production is the target.