at the ready

Idioms  

1. Available for immediate use, as in Umbrellas at the ready, we were prepared to brave the storm. This idiom was originally a military term in which the ready denoted the position of a firearm prepared to be raised and aimed or fired. [First half of 1800s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

at the ready

And if you’re ever hit with a layoff, it’s better to have a sharp profile at the ready than to attempt an emergency makeover.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 18, 2026

Days ahead of the Knicks’ championship-clinching Game 5 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, the alliance was already ordering the 1.25 tons of recycled shredded paper to have at the ready.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 17, 2026

The timing and details of any resolution are unknown, but investors may want to have a list of potential beneficiaries at the ready.

From Barron's ● May 30, 2026

After all, who has $65 at the ready?

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 25, 2026

On the stage was Ashmodai, standing at the ready, like he was about to give a lecture.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny

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Related Words

• accessible
• apt
• handy
• qualified
• ripe

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