Idiom idiom
do something at the drop of a hat
Meaning
Do something without having planned beforehand
Examples
“She is always ready to travel at the drop of a hat.”
“My neighbor is so helpful that he will come over to fix your sink at the drop of a hat.”
“In such a fast-paced industry, successful managers must be prepared to change their entire strategy at the drop of a hat to stay ahead of the competition.”
Origin
disputed origin
disputed origin
19th-century America, where dropping a hat was a signal to start a fight or a race.
Last updated June 7, 2026