at the ready
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective phrase:
- Ready for immediate use: In a state of preparedness, with something positioned or held so it can be used without delay.
- In a state of alert readiness: Describing a person or group poised and prepared to act instantly.
Usage
- This phrase is typically used after a noun (or nouns) to describe what is prepared. It follows the structure: .
- It often describes a formal, alert, or tactical state of preparedness.
Examples
- Adjective phrase:
- The photographer waited with her camera at the ready. (The camera was in her hands, prepared to take a picture immediately.)
- The chef had all his ingredients chopped and at the ready. (The ingredients were prepared and within easy reach for cooking.)
- Security guards stood by with communication devices at the ready. (The devices were in hand, ready for instant use.)
Advanced Usage
- "to have/keep something at the ready": To keep something prepared for immediate use.
- A good writer always keeps a notebook at the ready for ideas.
- "to stand at the ready": To be in a physical posture of alert preparedness, often used for groups like soldiers or emergency personnel.
- The firefighters stood at the ready, waiting for the alarm to sound.
Variants and Related Words
- Ready (adj): Prepared for action or use.
- The team is ready to begin.
- At hand (adj phrase): Nearby and available for use. (This is similar but implies proximity more than an alert posture.)
- Keep the manual at hand in case you need it.
Synonyms
- Poised: In a state of readiness or balance.
- On standby: Ready to be activated or called into action.
- Prepared: Made ready in advance.
Related Phrases
- On alert: In a state of watchfulness and readiness, especially for danger.
- Armed and ready: Fully equipped and prepared, often for confrontation.
Adjective
- ready for immediate use
- soldiers with guns at the ready
- students with pens and notebooks at the ready