at the first sign
idiom
: as soon as something happens that indicates an action or event has begun to take place
The bartender called the police at the first sign of trouble.
At the first sign of spring she planted annuals in her flower beds.
Examples of at the first sign in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Move indoors at the first sign of threatening skies or the first sound of thunder.
—
Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 7 June 2025
In the past, struggles would snowball on Alexander-Walker, who was susceptible to get into his own head at the first sign of struggles.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 9 May 2025
So now at the first sign of any redness or rawness, Dr. Geller takes her cat straight to the animal hospital for a shot of steroids and the antibiotic injection Convenia.
—Jen Reeder, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Likewise, resilient business owners adapt and push forward, while others quit at the first sign of struggle.
—Melissa Houston, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for at the first sign
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Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 7 June 2025
In the past, struggles would snowball on Alexander-Walker, who was susceptible to get into his own head at the first sign of struggles.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 9 May 2025
So now at the first sign of any redness or rawness, Dr. Geller takes her cat straight to the animal hospital for a shot of steroids and the antibiotic injection Convenia.
—Jen Reeder, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Likewise, resilient business owners adapt and push forward, while others quit at the first sign of struggle.
—Melissa Houston, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for at the first sign
Cite this Entry
“At the first sign.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20the%20first%20sign. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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