At the Drop of a Hat

Welcome to English in a Minute!

Taking your hat off, can be a sign of respect.

But what does this expression mean?

At the drop of a hat

Let’s see if Anna and Jonathan have the answer.

I really want to see that new James Bond movie.

Have you seen it yet?

No, Want to see it? Tonight?

How about right now?

Oh, Right now?

Oh, I’d see that movie at the drop of a hat.

Sure!

“At the drop of a hat” means to act quickly, Without delay or much planning.

In the past, a hat dropping sometimes signaled the start of a race.

That is probably where this expression comes from.

Think of a runner starting a race immediately after the hat drops.

In our example, Jonathan says he would see that movie at the drop of a hat.

And that’s English in a Minute!