# ready or not

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/ready-or-not
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Determined, regardless of readiness or preparedness.

## Examples

- Ready or not, the exam starts in five minutes.
- The project deadline is tomorrow, so we must finish the report, ready or not.
- Ready or not, the changing economic landscape forces the company to adapt its long-term strategy immediately.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.