at the drop of a hat
Immediately, without hesitation
직역: At the moment a hat falls to the ground.
Use this to describe someone who acts immediately and enthusiastically without needing time to prepare.
15초 만에
- Doing something instantly and without any hesitation.
- Acting the moment a signal or opportunity is given.
- Describes a person who is always ready for spontaneous action.
뜻
If you do something 'at the drop of a hat', you do it instantly without needing a reason or much preparation. It describes someone who is always ready to act the moment an opportunity arises.
주요 예문
3 / 7Describing a helpful friend
Mark will come over to help you move at the drop of a hat.
Mark will help you move immediately without hesitation.
Talking about a spontaneous traveler
She’s the type of person who would fly to Paris at the drop of a hat.
She would fly to Paris instantly if given the chance.
In a professional performance review
He is a versatile employee who can switch projects at the drop of a hat.
He can change tasks immediately whenever needed.
문화적 배경
The idiom originated in 19th-century America, where dropping a hat served as a signal to begin a horse race or a boxing match. It reflects a frontier culture where people were expected to be ready for action or confrontation instantly. Today, it remains one of the most common ways to describe spontaneity in English-speaking cultures.
Focus on the 'Willingness'
This phrase doesn't just mean 'fast.' It implies the person is *eager* or *ready* to do it. Use it for people who don't need to be persuaded.
Don't say 'In a drop'
A common mistake is forgetting the 'at the'. The phrase is fixed. It must be `at the drop of a hat` to sound natural.
15초 만에
- Doing something instantly and without any hesitation.
- Acting the moment a signal or opportunity is given.
- Describes a person who is always ready for spontaneous action.
What It Means
Imagine someone drops their hat. How fast does it hit the floor? That is exactly how quickly this action happens. It means doing something immediately. You do not stop to think. You do not make a plan. You just go for it. It suggests a high level of readiness or even a bit of impulsiveness.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase at the end of a sentence. It describes how someone reacts to a situation. For example, She will travel at the drop of a hat. It functions like an adverb. It tells us about the speed and willingness of the person. You can use it for positive traits like being helpful. You can also use it for negative traits like losing one's temper.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to sound descriptive and colorful. It is perfect for talking about your friend who loves spontaneous road trips. Use it at work to describe a teammate who is always ready to help. It works well in stories. It adds a visual element to your speech. It is great for describing people with strong, instant reactions.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it in very stiff, legal documents. It is a bit too vivid for a formal contract. Do not use it for things that actually take a long time. You cannot graduate university at the drop of a hat. It is for actions that can start in a heartbeat. Also, avoid it if the situation is extremely somber or tragic. It has a slightly energetic, lighthearted energy.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the 19th century. Back then, dropping a hat was a signal. It often started a race or a fight. People did not have fancy starting pistols. They just used what they were wearing. If the hat hit the dirt, the action started. It captures a time when life was a bit more rugged and spontaneous.
Common Variations
There are not many variations of the phrase itself. You must use the full expression. However, you can use synonyms like in a heartbeat or without a second thought. Some people might say at the drop of a dime, but that is less common. Stick to the hat version for the most classic feel. It is a timeless piece of English imagery.
사용 참고사항
The phrase is widely accepted in most social settings. It leans toward informal or neutral registers. It is particularly effective in storytelling or when giving a recommendation for someone's character.
Focus on the 'Willingness'
This phrase doesn't just mean 'fast.' It implies the person is *eager* or *ready* to do it. Use it for people who don't need to be persuaded.
Don't say 'In a drop'
A common mistake is forgetting the 'at the'. The phrase is fixed. It must be `at the drop of a hat` to sound natural.
The Cowboy Connection
In old Western movies, you might see a hat drop to start a duel. This visual helps you remember that the action follows the 'drop' instantly.
예시
7Mark will come over to help you move at the drop of a hat.
Mark will help you move immediately without hesitation.
Shows Mark is reliable and quick to act.
She’s the type of person who would fly to Paris at the drop of a hat.
She would fly to Paris instantly if given the chance.
Highlights a sense of adventure.
He is a versatile employee who can switch projects at the drop of a hat.
He can change tasks immediately whenever needed.
Used here as a compliment for flexibility.
If you want to see that new horror movie, I'm down to go at the drop of a hat!
I'm ready to go see the movie right now.
Very common in texting to show excitement.
Be careful what you say; he starts crying at the drop of a hat.
He starts crying very easily and suddenly.
Used here to describe an oversensitive reaction.
The company changed its entire branding strategy at the drop of a hat.
The company changed its strategy suddenly and without warning.
Implies the change was perhaps too fast or impulsive.
I would marry you at the drop of a hat if you asked me.
I would marry you right this second without doubting.
Shows deep commitment and lack of doubt.
셀프 테스트
Choose the best word to complete the idiom.
My sister is so spontaneous; she'll go on a road trip at the drop of a ___.
The standard English idiom is 'at the drop of a hat'.
Identify the meaning of the phrase in this context.
The boss expects us to change our schedules at the drop of a hat. This means the boss expects us to be ___.
Doing something 'at the drop of a hat' implies immediate action and flexibility.
🎉 점수: /2
시각 학습 자료
Formality of 'At the Drop of a Hat'
Too structured for pure slang.
N/A
Perfect for friends and family.
I'd quit this job at the drop of a hat.
Common in workplace conversations.
We can pivot the project at the drop of a hat.
A bit too colorful for academic writing.
N/A
When to use 'At the Drop of a Hat'
Spontaneous Travel
Booking a flight today.
Helping Others
Driving a friend to the ER.
Emotional Reactions
Getting angry over a joke.
Work Flexibility
Switching tasks for a client.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Mostly, yes. However, at the drop of a hat sounds more personal and describes a person's character or readiness, whereas immediately is just a neutral time marker.
Yes! It is a great way to show you are flexible. You could say, I am willing to travel at the drop of a hat if the role requires it.
It is always at. Using on will sound incorrect to native speakers.
Absolutely. You can say someone gets into an argument at the drop of a hat to describe someone who is very grumpy or aggressive.
It is used in both! It originated in the US but is now a standard idiom across the entire English-speaking world.
There isn't a direct opposite idiom, but you might say someone is hesitant or needs a lot of convincing.
No, the idiom is fixed. You cannot say at the drop of a phone or at the drop of a shoe.
Haha, no! It is purely metaphorical now. No headwear is required for the idiom to work.
Yes, it is very common in movies, books, and daily conversation. It doesn't feel 'old-fashioned' at all.
No. You wouldn't say He built a house at the drop of a hat because building a house takes months. It only applies to the *start* of an action or very quick tasks.
관련 표현
In a heartbeat
Without a second thought
Before you can say Jack Robinson
On a whim
Right off the bat
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