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Synonyms

at the drop of a hat

Idioms  

  1. Immediately, without delay, as in We were ready to pack our bags and go on vacation at the drop of a hat. This phrase probably alludes to signaling the start of a race or other contest by dropping a hat. [Late 1800s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Plans can't be made beyond short-term club contracts, partners and children have to be ready to relocate at the drop of a hat, and major life events are scheduled around the football season.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2024

For the women, it’s Lake, with her pixie cut, newscaster makeup, perfectly composed look, and tendency to start yelling in your face at the drop of a hat.

From Slate • Jan. 11, 2024

“They are using it at the drop of a hat because it makes day to day operations easier,” said Tammie Gregg, deputy director for the A.C.L.U.’s National Prison Project.

From New York Times • Aug. 19, 2023

I have to rope my friends in, I have to rope other actors in knowing that I’m going to have to return the favor at the drop of a hat.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 10, 2023

Abbey can cry at the drop of a hat.

From "Flush" by Carl Hiaasen

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.