Idioms for ready

Origin of ready

1150–1200; Middle English redy, early Middle English rædig, equivalent to Old English rǣde prompt + -ig -y1

usage note for ready

See already.

OTHER WORDS FROM ready

o·ver·read·y, adjective pre·read·y, adjective

Words nearby ready

readjustment, readmission, readmit, readout, readthrough, ready, ready money, ready reckoner, ready room, ready, willing, and able, ready-made

Words related to at the ready

accessible, qualified, apt, ripe, handy, set, fit, completed, organized, primed, near, wired, equipped, adjusted, waiting, anticipating, convenient, expectant

British Dictionary definitions for at the ready

ready
/ (ˈrɛdɪ) /

adjective readier or readiest

noun

the ready informal short for ready money
at the ready
  1. poised for use or actionwith pen at the ready
  2. (of a rifle) in the position normally adopted immediately prior to aiming and firing

verb

(tr) to put in a state of readiness; prepare

Word Origin for ready

Old English ( ge) rǣde; related to Old Frisian rēde, Old High German reiti, Old Norse reithr ready

Idioms and Phrases with at the ready (1 of 2)

at the ready

Available for immediate use, as in Umbrellas at the ready, we were prepared to brave the storm. This idiom was originally a military term in which the ready denoted the position of a firearm prepared to be raised and aimed or fired. [First half of 1800s]

Idioms and Phrases with at the ready (2 of 2)

ready