on the spur of the moment

Idioms  

1. Impulsively, without prior preparation, as in He decided to join a tour to England on the spur of the moment. This expression alludes to the goading action of a spur to a horse. [Late 1700s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

on the spur of the moment

At times, five of Abbey Road's famed studios were in use, with collaborations springing up on the spur of the moment.

From BBC ● Jan. 22, 2026

All the lights were on for maintenance, so on the spur of the moment he decided to walk inside and look around.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 20, 2023

Many years ago, my husband and I decided on the spur of the moment to see a Broadway show.

From New York Times ● Dec. 12, 2021

Bernard Ssembatya said he had been driving by when he spotted the Red Cross’s white tent and went in for a jab on the spur of the moment.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 11, 2021

But Johnny guessed that many who were now quietly joining one of those three groups were acting on the spur of the moment, seeing what was up.

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes