at the drop of a hat
/æt ðə drɒp əv ə hæt/
Meaning
This idiom means doing something immediately, without delay or hesitation, and often with great willingness. It is used in casual situations to describe someone who is always ready to act or react at the slightest provocation or opportunity.
Examples
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He's so passionate about soccer that he'll start a game at the drop of a hat.
He's so passionate about soccer that he'll start a game at the drop of a hat.
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If you need help moving, just call Sarah; she'll come over at the drop of a hat.
If you need help moving, just call Sarah; she'll come over at the drop of a hat.
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My boss is so unpredictable; he'll change his mind at the drop of a hat.
My boss is so unpredictable; he'll change his mind at the drop of a hat.
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She's always ready to travel and will pack her bags at the drop of a hat.
She's always ready to travel and will pack her bags at the drop of a hat.
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In that neighborhood, people are ready to argue at the drop of a hat.
In that neighborhood, people are ready to argue at the drop of a hat.
Common Mistakes
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✗ She is ready to cry with the drop of a hat.
✓ She is ready to cry at the drop of a hat.
The idiom always uses the preposition 'at', not 'with' or 'by'.
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✗ He would pack his bags at a drop of hat.
✓ He would pack his bags at the drop of a hat.
The articles 'the' and 'a' are fixed. It must be 'the drop' and 'a hat'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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He is extremely sensitive and gets offended ___.
💡 Instantly and without hesitation.
Show answer
at the drop of a hat
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If I had the money, I would quit my job ___.
💡 Instantly.
Show answer
at the drop of a hat