at the ready

phrase

Synonyms of at the ready next

: ready for immediate use

kept guns at the ready

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of at the ready was in 1837

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at the pump

at the ready

at the risk of

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Cite this Entry

Style

“At the ready.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20the%20ready. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

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at the ready

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