Question

At the Drop of a Hat right away; at once; without delay; willing at any moment

Accepted Answer

Olivia would have gone to the football game at the drop of a hat. There are many ways to start a race or other sporting event: Shoot a gun, wave a flag, yell "Ready, set, go!" and so on. Years ago someone would drop a hat as the starting signal, and the contest would begin immediately. Today if anyone does anything (not just something athletic) eagerly and on the spur of the moment, we say it's done "at the drop of a hat."

Idiom	At the Drop of a Hat
Example	Olivia would have gone to the football game at the drop of a hat.
Meaning	right away; at once; without delay; willing at any moment
Origin	There are many ways to start a race or other sporting event: Shoot a gun, wave a flag, yell "Ready, set, go!" and so on. Years ago someone would drop a hat as the starting signal, and the contest would begin immediately. Today if anyone does anything (not just something athletic) eagerly and on the spur of the moment, we say it's done "at the drop of a hat."

Drop Hat Olivia Football Game Delay Moment Ways