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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. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases. Not expected or planned. abrupt end. abrupt halt.
To put it simply, “at the drop of a hat” means to do something right away or without hesitation. Like, if your friend asks you to join them for a spur-of-the-moment trip to the beach on a hot summer day and you agree without needing time to pack or plan, you did it “at the drop of a hat.”
The term "at the drop of a hat" means willing or able to do something immediately. Examples of Use: We're all packed. We can leave at the drop of a hat. I cannot produce that report at the drop of a hat. I have to gather data. Don't cross them. They would sue you at the drop of a hat. I'd take that offer at the drop of a hat.
at the drop of a hat. phrase. 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. See full dictionary entry for hat.
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.
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. [Late 1800s]
At the drop of a hat. This expression of American origin meaning to do something in an instant, suddenly and spontaneously, is first cited in this sense from 1837. The dropping of a hat used to be the signal for starting foot or horse races and also brawls, especially in the American Wild West.
