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Old 29-Jan-2005, 17:32
Dandelion Dandelion is offline
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Default Re: at the drop of a hat

Quote:
Originally Posted by blacknomi
Thanks, my four-petal clover!

I know it means quickly and right away. When one is learning an idiom, he needs to make lots of sentences to make sure he gets it right! If I only grasp the literal meaning as "quickly and right away", I could make as many sentences as possible without noticing any mistakes.

For example,
1- Patrick gave me a diamond at the drop of a hat before I was going to bed.
2- I went home and took a shower at the drop of a hat.

Do they sound any funny without more context?


After a look at the link, which is a good one because I love pistures, I realized that I need to add more context to give a full image.

Thus,
1- If Patick were filthy rich, he would give me a diamond at the drop of a hat before Leo.
2- I would went home first, then took a shower at the drop of a hat if I knew you were visiting me tonight. You know, a beautiful lady stinks after she did too many cha cha chas on the dancing floor.


Does those examples make more sense compared to the former ones?


Do I have to use it in a conditional sentence?!




Yours,
Giant Dwarf
Hmmmmm, the flower has lost some petals and become a clover and the dwarf is getting taller by the minute......

A little context always helps, but it's not necessary.
No, you don't have to use it in a conditional sentence.
Henry is a very quarrelsome person. He gets into fights at the drop of a hat.
(at the slightest provocation)
She took the job at the drop of a hat. (immediately, without a second thought)
I fall in love at the drop of a hat. (very easily and quickly)

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