English Reference
Idiom idiom

spur of the moment


Impulse; short notice; a lack of planning.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

We decided to leave on the spur of the moment.

CONTEXTUAL

She bought the dress on the spur of the moment and later wondered if she should have waited.

COMPLEX

On the spur of the moment, he abandoned his carefully planned itinerary and boarded a train to the coast, chasing a memory he could not name.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    aha moment

    The moment or instant at which the solution to a problem, or some other significant realization, becomes clear.

  2. 02

    at any given moment

    At any point in time.

  3. 03

    eureka moment

    The moment of a sudden unexpected discovery.

  4. 04

    Hallmark moment

    A memorable moment or event, one which would either make for or call for a poignant greeting card.

  5. 05

    have a moment

    To reach a high level of popularity during a specific time.

  6. 06

    have its moments

    To experience brief periods of distinction, especially in contrast with the status quo.

  7. 07

    have one's moments

    To experience brief periods of distinction, especially in contrast with the status quo.

  8. 08

    Hollywood moment

    A moment of great drama or sentimentality, suggesting the climax of a film.

Last updated August 10, 2026