Definitions

at the drop of a hat

ADVERB

readily

Synonyms

STRONGEST

cheerfully eagerly easily freely gladly immediately promptly willingly

WEAK

at once facilely hands down in a jiffy in no time lightly no sweat nothing to it piece of cake quick as a wink right away slick as whistle smoothly speedily straight away swimmingly unhesitatingly well without delay without demur without difficulty without hesitation

Antonyms

STRONGEST

difficultly grudgingly unwillingly

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They're a defence that goes to pieces at the drop of a hat.

From BBC • Aug. 24, 2025

For the women, it’s Lake, with her pixie cut, newscaster makeup, perfectly composed look, and tendency to start yelling in your face at the drop of a hat.

From Slate • Jan. 11, 2024

I have to rope my friends in, I have to rope other actors in knowing that I’m going to have to return the favor at the drop of a hat.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 10, 2023

Put another way, all his work is connected, even if he’s not going to get into the DNA of it all with you at the drop of a hat.

From New York Times • May 28, 2023

You aren’t the only one who can concoct lies at the drop of a hat.

From "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd

at the drop of a hat

Example Sentences

Related Words