at the drop of a hat

phrase

: as soon as the slightest provocation is given : immediately
loses her temper at the drop of a hat

Examples of at the drop of a hat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Thanks to major leaps in the tech, these tools can now generate photorealistic fake footage at the drop of a hat — which could have devastating implications for efforts to keep disinformation at bay. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 6 Aug. 2026 As someone who sunburns at the drop of a hat (pun intended), I’m especially inspired by Lopez’s impressively oversized version, which managed to shade even her shoulders. — Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of at the drop of a hat was in 1824

Rhymes for at the drop of a hat

See All Rhymes for at the drop of a hat

Browse Nearby Words

at the double
at the drop of a hat
at the earliest
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“At the drop of a hat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20the%20drop%20of%20a%20hat. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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