Immediately, without delay, as in We were ready to pack our bags and go on vacation at the drop of a hat. This phrase probably alludes to signaling the start of a race or other contest by dropping a hat. [
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What does it mean when someone says at the drop of a hat?
immediately
If you do something at the drop of a hat, you do it immediately without stopping to think about it: People will file lawsuits at the drop of a hat these days.
How do you use the idiom at the drop of a hat?
If you say that you are ready to do something at the drop of a hat, you mean that you are willing to do it immediately, without hesitating. India is one part of the world I would go to at the drop of a hat.
What is another way to say at the drop of a hat?
at drop of hat, without hesitation, slick as whistle, no sweat.
Where does at the drop of a hat originate?
To do something at the drop of a hat means to do it immediately, without delay and at the slightest provocation. The idiom may have come from the American Old West, when various fights, contests and duels began with a signal consisting of a man grabbing his hat and thrusting it toward the ground.
Where does the expression Forty Winks come from?
The first use of this expression dates back to 1821, when Dr. William Kitchiner, an optician and telescope inventor used it in his self help guide, The art of invigorating and prolonging life – “A forty winks nap in a horizontal posture, is the best preparative for any extraordinary exertion of either.”
Can’t cut the mustard idiom meaning?
What does “cut the mustard” mean? To cut the mustard is “to reach or surpass the desired standard or performance” or more generally “to succeed, to have the ability to do something.” For instance, Beyoncé really cut the mustard in her new song.
What does the idiom When Pigs Fly mean?
that something will never happen
Definition of when pigs fly
—used to say that one thinks that something will never happen The train station will be renovated when pigs fly.
Do something at the drop of a hat?
If you do something at the drop of a hat, you do it immediately without stopping to think about it: People will file lawsuits at the drop of a hat these days.
What is in a nutshell means?
in a very brief statement
in a nutshell. : in a very brief statement.
What is the meaning of the idiom a man of straw?
man of straw. noun. a person of little substance. Also called: straw man mainly US a person used as a cover for some dubious plan or enterprise; front man. a man who cannot be relied upon to honour his financial commitments, esp because of his limited resources.
What does Balls in your court mean?
: burdened with expectations or requirements for something What do you think we should do about the project? The ball is in your court.
What is a kit and caboodle?
kit and caboodle in American English
kit and boodle. informal (often prec. by whole) the whole lot of persons or things; all of something. We took along the whole kit and caboodle in the station wagon.
Where does the saying fly off the handle come from?
“Fly off the Handle” is an American phrase that alludes to the way that an axe head can fly off its handle if it becomes loose. The expression was first seen in print in 1834, in Thomas C. Haliburton’s The Attaché; or, Sam Slick in England: “He flies right off the handle for nothing.”
Where did all hands on deck come from?
Origin of All Hands on Deck
This expression has a naval origin. Hands is another word for sailors and deck is a part of the boat. In a storm or other emergency, the captain might yell all hands on deck. This is a command for all the sailors to come to the deck of the boat to help navigate the storm.
What does Bob’s your uncle mean in England?
Definition of and Bob’s your uncle
British, informal. —used to say that something is easy to do or use Just complete the form, pay the fee, and Bob’s your uncle!
What is a how’s your father?
noun. British euphemistic. sexual intercourse. She said that two weeks is a long time to go without a bit of how’s-your-father.
Why is it close but no cigar?
Apparently from the practice of giving cigars as prizes at carnivals in the United States in the 20th century; those who did not win would fail to receive a cigar, even if they came close.
What does the idiom a hot potato mean?
Definition of hot potato
: a controversial question or issue that involves unpleasant or dangerous consequences for anyone dealing with it.
What does get off your high horse mean?
to stop talking as if you were better or smarter than other people: It’s time you came down off your high horse and admitted you were wrong. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases. Showing arrogance and conceit.
What does the idiom a bed of roses mean?
situation of agreeable ease
Definition of bed of roses
: a place or situation of agreeable ease.