What does the phrase at the drop of a hat mean?

Immediately, without delay
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. [

What type of figurative language is the phrase at the drop of a hat?

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 phrase drop of a hat come from?

The phrase ‘at the drop of a hat’ originates in the 19th century. During that time it was common to signal the beginning of a fight or race by either dropping a hat or sweeping it in a rapid downward motion.

What does the phrase on top of the world mean?

Feeling very happy, delighted, as in She was on top of the world after her roses won first prize. This idiom alludes to the peak of success or happiness. [

What is the meaning of he was ready to go 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.

What does drop of a hat mean kids?

immediately, without delay. without any hesitation. without any planning and for no obvious reason.

What does it mean when someone says old hat?

Note: This expression may have developed because in the times when it was usual for women to wear hats, the fashions in hats used to change very quickly. something that is old-fashioned and no longer interesting: This is supposed to be a new method of learning English, but frankly, it’s a bit old 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] See also: drop, hat, of

What does the idiom go hat in hand mean?

(Fig.on the image of someone standing, respectfully, in front of a powerful person, asking for a favor.) She stormed off but came back with hat in hand when she ran out of money. We had to go hat in hand to the committee to get a grant for our proposal. See also: hand, hat

What’s the origin of the phrase ‘talking through one’s hat’?

What’s the origin of the phrase ‘Talking through one’s hat’? This began life in the USA, in the late 19th century, with a slightly different meaning from the present one. It then meant to bluster. Farmer and Henley Slang and Its Analogues, 1888: “Dis is only a bluff dey’re makin’ – see! Dey’re talkin’ tru dere hats”