Question of the Day #1402

A Government that can ‘find money at the drop of a hat’ for one industry cannot seek restraint at pay talks, Sligo gathering hears

From the headline of this article at the Irish Independent.

  上記の文で、at the drop of a hatの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "at the drop of a hat" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

---

   

解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

1. 合図一つで、早速、すぐさま
2. 〔ちょっとした機会があると〕ためらわずに、待ってましたと言わんばかりに

   

Answer

According to the Longman Dictionary:

immediately and without pausing to think about what you are going to do

 

Examples

1. Some of these corporations threaten to sue at the drop of a hat.
2. He's willing to organize anything guests want at the drop of a hat.
3. I hate to speak in public, but she’ll get up on stage at the drop of a hat.
4. India is one part of the world I would go to at the drop of a hat.
5. It could all just go to waste at the drop of a hat. - The Guardian (2021)

   

このサイトが役に立つと思ったら、ぜひ英語に関心のある知り合いとシェアしてください。