Phrasal verb
jump at
Definition
phrasal verb. to accept an opportunity or offer very quickly because you are excited about it.
phrasal verb. to accept an opportunity or offer with immediate enthusiasm. The verb is transitive and requires an object, typically an abstract noun denoting a possibility.
Examples
“I would jump at the chance to work in Paris.”
“When the manager offered him a promotion with a higher salary, he jumped at the offer immediately.”
“Despite the inherent risks of the venture, several venture capitalists jumped at the prospect of funding a project with such high potential returns.”
Examples
simple
“I would jump at the chance to work in Paris.”
contextual
“When the manager offered him a promotion with a higher salary, he jumped at the offer immediately.”
complex
“Despite the inherent risks of the venture, several venture capitalists jumped at the prospect of funding a project with such high potential returns.”
Usage
usually followed by nouns like 'chance', 'opportunity', or 'offer'.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'jump to conclusions' to prevent preposition confusion; 'jump at' is about eagerness for an offer.
Pitfall
He jumped at to go to the party.
He jumped at the chance to go to the party.
the phrase requires a noun object like 'chance' or 'opportunity' before the infinitive verb.
Phrasal verb
Particles
at
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
jump + at + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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