What it means
It means straight away, with no messing about and barely a second thought. You use it for people who are ready to act instantly, whether that's helping out, changing plans, quitting, booking, or heading off the minute the idea lands. It can sound admiring for someone game as anything, or a bit judgy if they’re too quick on the trigger.
Usage examples
"He’ll quit his job at the drop of a hat if a better gig pops up, so don’t count on him for next month’s rota."
"She will help anyone at the drop of a hat, you mention you are stuck and she is already grabbing her coat."
"They are the spontaneous type, ready to pack a bag and head off on a road trip at the drop of a hat."
"Mate, he'd book a weekend away at the drop of a hat if someone mentioned cheap flights."
"Ask her once and she'll be round with snacks and gossip at the drop of a hat."
Where it comes from
This idiom is old and well attested in English from the 1800s. In both Britain and the US, dropping a hat could serve as a quick signal to begin, especially for a race, a fight, or some other sudden start. So doing something at the drop of a hat means moving the second the cue appears.
Other ways to say it
Editors of this term
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