at the ready

Idioms and Phrases

Available for immediate use, as in Umbrellas at the ready, we were prepared to brave the storm . This idiom was originally a military term in which the ready denoted the position of a firearm prepared to be raised and aimed or fired. [First half of 1800s]

Example Sentences

It never condescends to Sisters Barnes and Paxton and they always have sound rebuttals at the ready; they are also observant, smart and canny.

From Los Angeles Times

While others ranted and raved, Buttigieg always remained calm, happy to go on Fox or any other platform with an arsenal of facts at the ready.

From Los Angeles Times

Officers in combat gear then take up positions around them, their assault rifles at the ready.

From BBC

Kounalakis is also the latest in a long line of wealthy women and men with a mountain of cash at the ready as they pursue California’s top political job.

From Los Angeles Times

He drinks mushroom blend coffee two hours before games and has another round at the ready along the sideline.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accessible
• apt
• handy
• qualified
• ripe