At The Drop Of A Hat
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Google Images, «At the drop of a hat»
- Meaning:
To begin something at an indicated moment (the dropping of a hat), to star something without any delay.
- Origin:
Since long time ago, there have been many ways to indicate that a certain event had to start, especially competitions. They were started by different means, for example a whistle, the shooting of a gun, dropping a handkerchief or a hat, as the expression suggests. To drop the hat represents the signal that competitors need in order to get a of a competition started. This use has been now extended to any event that we start enthusiastically at a given signal.
- Example:
Teacher: Are you ready to start answering your tests?
Students: Give us a copule of minutes more, teacher.
Teacher: Sorry, but I have to give you your exams at the drop of a hat.
Google Images, «At the drop of a hat»
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