at the ready

phrase

: ready for immediate use

kept guns at the ready

Examples of at the ready in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Like ballplayers just before the pitch, animal control crouched into position, with thick metal grabbers, nooses, and nets at the ready. — Zachary Przystup, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Sep. 2026

There is a team of consultants and master tailors at the ready to design and sew a full custom wardrobe. — Christine Lennon, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026

Having a bank of clinical research at the ready means the list of treatments can be shortened, saving time and allowing future research to focus on what is most likely to be safe and effective. — Mike McRae 26, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026

Federal agents were waiting on the tarmac to greet them, handcuffs at the ready. — Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for at the ready

• already
• unsteady
• heady
• reddi
• steady
• teddy
• thready