be quick on the draw

phrase

: to be quick about removing a gun from where it is kept : to quickly draw a gun and be ready to shoot it
often used figuratively
Critics may have been a little too quick on the draw.

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Be quick on the draw.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/be%20quick%20on%20the%20draw. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster