Meaning
"At the drop of a hat"은 어떤 행동을 즉각적으로 또는 주저 없이 한다는 의미의 영어 표현입니다. 이 표현은 누군가가 특별한 준비나 고민 없이 무언가를 빠르게 시작하거나 결정할 때 사용됩니다.
예를 들어, 친구가 "He will help you at the drop of a hat"이라고 말한다면, 그 친구는 당신을 돕기 위해 고민 없이 즉시 행동할 것이라는 의미입니다.
이 표현은 주로 사람들의 신속한 반응이나 행동을 강조하고 싶을 때 사용됩니다. 상황에 따라 긍정적일 수도, 때로는 생각 없이 행동한다는 부정적인 뉘앙스를 가질 수도 있습니다.
Example
If you need help, just let me know. I can be there at the drop of a hat.
I'm sorry, but you can't just leave town at the drop of a hat.
My friend is really sad after the breakup, she may even cry at the drop of a hat.
I would travel the world at the drop of a hat, if I wasn't so obligated to my job and my family.
Quiz
What is an Idiom
An idiom is a phrase or expression that usually presents a figurative, non-literal meaning attached to the phrase. Idioms are not just used in conversations – they're also very common in literature, movies, and music. We utilize them to convey a message in a concise and effective manner, and often have deep cultural or historical significance. They help to create a vivid and memorable image in the minds of the audience.
Idioms are difficult because they do not mean what they literally state. Communication challenges emerge when you translate an idiom in your language; it will not make sense or if it does make sense you may miss the intended meaning.
How to Study Idioms
- Read them. Read books, newspapers, magazine articles, online articles for exposure in written material.
- Watch them. Watch TV shows and movies in English! There are so many streaming services available for you to choose from. Listen attentively and try to understand the context in which they are used.
- Use them. Talk to native speakers and try to incorporate common idioms into your conversations. Try using them during conversations with friends, family, coworkers, or through text.
- Practice. Practice. Practice. Remember that you can't learn all of them! So start with a few that you understand and build your library of idioms from there!
