on the spur of the moment
/ɒn ðə spɜːr əv ðə ˈmoʊmənt/
Meaning
This expression is used to describe decisions or actions that are done suddenly, spontaneously, and without any prior planning. It carries a neutral to positive tone, often associated with fun, adventurous, or impulsive choices made in response to a sudden urge.
Examples
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We hadn't planned on going to the beach, but we just decided to go on the spur of the moment.
We hadn't planned on going to the beach, but we just decided to go on the spur of the moment.
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She bought the flight tickets on the spur of the moment because they were so cheap.
She bought the flight tickets on the spur of the moment because they were so cheap.
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On the spur of the moment, I called my old high school friend to see if he was free.
On the spur of the moment, I called my old high school friend to see if he was free.
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It wasn't a calculated career move; I just quit my job on the spur of the moment.
It wasn't a calculated career move; I just quit my job on the spur of the moment.
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They got married in Vegas on the spur of the moment during their road trip.
They got married in Vegas on the spur of the moment during their road trip.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I decided it in the spur of the moment.
✓ I decided it on the spur of the moment.
The preposition 'on' is fixed in this idiom. Do not use 'in'.
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✗ We made a spur of the moment trip.
✓ We made a spur-of-the-moment trip.
When used as an adjective before a noun, hyphenate the phrase. Otherwise, use 'on the spur of the moment' as an adverbial phrase without hyphens.
Related Expressions
Practice
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I didn't plan to buy this jacket; I just got it ___.
💡 Spontaneously.
Show answer
on the spur of the moment
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They booked a trip to Paris ___ after seeing a cheap flight online.
💡 Without planning beforehand.
Show answer
on the spur of the moment