Definition

1. 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

1. ready for immediate use
   • soldiers with guns at the ready
   • students with pens and notebooks at the ready