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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

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at the double
at the drop of a hat
at the earliest
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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 15 Dec. 2025.

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Last Updated: - Definition revised
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