Where does the phrase at the drop of a hat come from?

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.

What is the meaning of do something 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.

What does at the top of the hat mean?

Filters. (idiomatic) A gesture of acknowledgement; often, an expression of gratitude.

Is it drop of a hat or drop of a dime?

If you do something at the drop of a dime you do it very fast, pretty much instantaneously, without too much thought, planning, or hesitation. Another way of saying the same thing is “at the drop of a hat”. The origin of that phrase seem to be the Wild West where dropping a hat was often a sign of an imminent fight.

Where did the saying I have a bone to pick with you come from?

Most sources state that this expression comes from a dog trying to pick off the meat from a bone, and one connotation of this idiom is trying to solve a difficult time-consuming problem. This is likely related to the fact that dogs often gnaw on a bone for very long periods of time, even when most of the meat is gone.

How do you use at the drop of a hat in a sentence?

Example Sentences He can come at the drop of a hat. I can’t go rushing off to Edinburgh at the drop of a hat. She’d purchase her expensive jewelry at the drop of a hat and worry about how she would pay for it later. We’re expected to just do it at the drop of a hat – no notice or anything.

What does didn’t bat an eye mean?

US, informal. : to show no surprise, fear, concern, etc. He thought the news would make her upset, but she never batted an eye. He listened without batting an eyelash.

What does it mean when a man tips his hat at a woman?

If a man is accompanying a woman, he also tips his hat in acknowledgment of the courtesy which has been paid her. In asking or accepting a favor of a woman. If a woman were standing directly in a man’s way he might ask her, “May I pass?” As she steps aside he would thank her and tip his hat.

What is a sentence for something at the drop of a hat?

happening instantly, without any delay. Example of use: “We’re all packed and ready to go; we can leave at the drop of a hat.”

What does turn on a dime mean?

To turn on a dime is to change direction almost instantly. When you literally have a very small turning radius, you can turn on a dime, whether you’re on foot or in a speed boat. This phrase is also commonly used figuratively, to mean instantly change focus or switch abruptly to something new.

At once, without delay. It is thought to come from the practice of dropping or waving a hat as a starting signal for a race, fight, or other event. The phrase also has come to mean “without further encouragement.”

What does fig mean at the drop of a hat?

Fig. immediately; instantly; on the slightest signal or urging. (Alludes to the dropping of a hat as a signal.) John was always ready to go fishing at the drop of a hat.

What do people file lawsuits at the drop of a hat?

People will file lawsuits at the drop of a hat these days. Want to learn more? Improve your vocabulary with English Vocabulary in Use from Cambridge. Learn the words you need to communicate with confidence.