then and there

Idioms

Also, there and then. At that precise time and place; on the spot. For example, When the board questioned his judgment again, he resigned then and there. The first term was first recorded in 1442, the variant in 1496.

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.

And they had vowed then and there to never associate with this terrible man again.

From Slate • Feb. 4, 2026

We decide then and there to do his story.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 13, 2025

They have been growing in popularity since then and there are now 15 run by community groups and volunteers in shared spaces such as schools and community centres.

From BBC • Oct. 12, 2024

Later, as he congratulated both teams, President Bush joked the two should decide a champion right then and there.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 31, 2024

I made a vow right then and there, before sweet-tempered Lucky Pete and my Heavenly Maker, that I would do everything in my power to stop wicked little Flora Maroney before it was too late.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

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