at the drop of a hat

A

at the drop of a hat

Meaning

• at the slightest signal
• immediately, without delay
• without any hesitation
• without any planning and for no obvious reason

Example Sentences

1. We now have a situation where laws are bent at the drop of a hat.
2. Dustin was always ready to go fishing at the drop of a hat.
3. If you need help, just call on Mike. He can come at the drop of a hat.
4. I can’t go rushing off to Edinburgh at the drop of a hat.
5. She’d purchase her expensive jewelry at the drop of a hat and worry about how she would pay for it later.
6. We’re expected to just do it at the drop of a hat – no notice or anything. It’s disgraceful.
7. People will file lawsuits at the drop of a hat these days.
8. I’d quit my job at the drop of a hat if I didn’t have a family to support.
9. That girl is so emotional; she’ll start crying at the drop of a hat.

Origin

This phrase probably alludes to signalling the start of a race, fight or other contest by dropping a hat. [Late 1800s]

The earliest reference could be found from a hearing on a bankruptcy law from an 1837 Register of Debates in Congress, see this snap shot below:

Synonym

Drop, Hat