at a word

Idioms  

1. In immediate response, at an instant. For example, At a word from the captain they lined up in order. [c. 1300]

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Example Sentences

Tracking along with his finger, the boy kept a steady pace, but paused at a word on the second line.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 10, 2021

Remediate, he thought: Orwell would spit at a word like that.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 14, 2021

Keep looking and they start to accrue into strings, as when you stare at a word search.

From New York Times • Mar. 3, 2020

He added, “I like your style. Just look at a word and see if it’s one I would use. Because ‘magic’ isn’t one I’d use.

From The New Yorker • Sep. 2, 2019

“Where’s your secret? Play fair, Teddy, or I’ll never believe you again,” she said, trying to extinguish the brilliant hopes that blazed up at a word of encouragement.

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott