right off the bat

Idioms  

1. Instantly, immediately, as in I can't tell you how many right off the bat, but I can find out. This term alludes to a baseball being hit by a bat. [First half of 1900s]

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Example Sentences

I’ll say right off the bat: I’m not touring — no way.

From Los Angeles Times

“When you have loyal fan bases like this, when you have enthusiasts, for them this is their third place — you have work, home and pinball — they’re going to know right off the bat if you’re faking it,” says Austin Bragg.

From Washington Post

Nakamura as Black scores a psychological win right off the bat, surprising his opponent with the Kalashnikov Sicilian and then getting a solid middle game when White backs off from the supersharp but theoretically recommended 11. g4!

From Washington Times

That a car is a pre-requisite for a job, an education, or a social life is a tremendous financial burden right off the bat, and that’s particularly true when gas gets expensive.

From Slate

The mindset — Mayhugh’s determination and will to be successful — struck Kavanaugh right off the bat.

From Washington Times