at the drop of a hat
at the drop of a hat
/æt ðə drɒp əv ə hæt/
Definition
Meaning: At the drop of a hat means to do something immediately and without hesitation.
Signification: Cette expression signifie agir immédiatement, sans hésitation ni délai.
Note: The idiom at the drop of a hat originates from the practice of dropping a hat as a signal for an event to start, indicating readiness to act without delay.
Word Analysis
French synonyms
» À la première occasion
» Sur-le-champ
» Instantanément
» Sans hésitation
» Pour un oui ou pour un non
» Au pied levé
Exemple: "Elle vous aiderait pour un rien."
English synonyms
» Immediately
» Right away
» Without hesitation
» Instantly
» Without warning
» At the slightest provocation
Example: "She would help you at the drop of a hat."
Example Dialogue
Thabo: "Apparently the boss scheduled another meeting for Friday evening?"
Mapaseka: "What? After we've already worked late all week? That's dumb!"
Thabo: "Exactly. For me, this is the last straw. I'm going to talk to HR about it."
Mapaseka: "He can't just do things at the drop of a hat like that!"
Etymology
Origin: The expression at the drop of a hat refers to an action that is taken immediately and without hesitation. This phrase dates back to the early 20th century and is believed to have originated from the practice of dropping a hat as a signal to start a race or fight. The idiom emphasizes the readiness to act at any moment, highlighting spontaneity and eagerness.
Audience
The expression "at the drop of a hat" is widely recognized and understood by English speakers of all ages and backgrounds. It is a common idiom used in both casual and formal contexts, making it accessible across a range of demographics.
When to use: You can use "at the drop of a hat" in everyday conversations, storytelling, and even in professional settings to describe a willingness to act immediately or without hesitation. It is particularly useful when emphasizing spontaneity or readiness to take action at any moment.
Dictionary Meaning
Here's an official definition of
by The Cambridge Dictionary
The Cambridge Dictionary says that "If you do something at the drop of a hat, you do it immediately without stopping to think about it", and drops this example sentence: "People will file lawsuits at the drop of a hat these days."
News Snippet
"Who in their right senses would not have laughed at the damp squib of a protest that happened last Thursday?
It was a pathetic effort by some attention-seeking zealots who have made it a vocation to march at the drop of a hat.
That protest was such a sick joke."
Read the full article at Lesotho Times
Extra! Extra!
For a fun and engaging exploration of our word of the day, at the drop of a hat, watch the following videos.
English Idiom of the Day
English in a Minute
WordReference
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Common Idioms and Expressions
Keep it under your hat: Keep something a secret.
Example: I'll tell you my plan, but keep it under your hat for now.
Hat trick: Achieving three successes in a row, often in sports.
Example: He scored a hat trick in yesterday's soccer match.
Pass the hat: Collect money for a cause or someone in need.
Example: They passed the hat to help the family after the fire.
Throw your hat in the ring: Enter a competition or contest.
Example: She decided to throw her hat in the ring for the city hall election.
Tip your hat to someone: Show respect or admiration.
Example: I tipped my hat to her for her brilliant performance.
Old hat: Something outdated or old-fashioned.
Example: That fashion trend is old hat, now.
Talk through your hat: Speak nonsense or without knowledge.
Example: He claims to be an expert, but he's just talking through his hat.
Eat your hat: Express disbelief, often humorously.
Example: If he wins, I'll eat my hat!
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