off the bat: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘off the bat’ mean?
The idiom "off the bat" means immediately or without delay, often used to describe an immediate action or response to something.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "straight away" means to do something immediately or without delay.
The idiom "run off" means to leave quickly or flee.
The idiom "right away" means immediately or without delay.
Right away is an English idiom that is commonly used to indicate immediate action or promptness. The phrase is believed to have originated in the late 19th century and is still widely used today.
The idiom "reel off" means to recite or say something quickly, easily, and without much thought or effort.
The idiom "race out of the traps" means to start quickly or energetically, often used to describe someone's fast or enthusiastic beginning in a competition or endeavor.
One idiom that has gained popularity is "race out of the traps." Here are the facts:
The idiom "race out of the traps" comes from the sport of greyhound racing. In this sport, dogs sprint out of the starting traps as soon as they hear the race bell.
The idiom "quick on the draw" means to be very fast in reacting or responding to a situation or challenge.
One idiom that has gained popularity over the years is "quick on the draw." Here's what we know for sure about this idiom:
The phrase "quick on the draw" comes from the American Old West, specifically gunfighting. It refers to someone who is fast and skilled at drawing their gun in a confrontation. Being "quick on the draw" means having the ability to react swiftly and decisively.
The idiom "quick off the mark" means to react quickly or be ready to take action immediately.
The idiom "quick off the mark" is commonly used in both British and American English. It means to be quick to react or respond to something, often describing someone who can think or act quickly in a situation.
The idiom "quick-fire" means to do or say something very quickly without much hesitation or delay.
The idiom "quick-fire" is often used to describe something that is done quickly or rapidly. It can be traced back several hundred years.
The idiom "peed off" means to be extremely angry, annoyed, or irritated about something or someone.
It is an informal expression often used in casual conversations to express strong negative emotions.
The idiom "out of the gate" means to start something quickly, without hesitation or delay.
Unveiling Instant Reactions
The idiom "quick off the mark" is closely related to the expression "off the bat." Both idioms convey a sense of speed, agility, and readiness. When someone is described as being "quick off the mark," it means that they are quick to react or respond to a situation. This can be compared to hitting a ball "off the bat" in baseball, where the batter needs to react quickly to make immediate contact with the ball. Both idioms highlight the importance of being prompt and proactive in order to achieve desired results.
The idiom "out of the gate" is another related expression that shares similarities with "off the bat." Just as hitting a ball "off the bat" requires immediate and swift action, being "out of the gate" implies starting or beginning something quickly and without delay. This idiom is often used to describe a fast start or a strong initial performance, akin to the powerful impact of hitting a ball right from the beginning in a baseball game. Both idioms emphasize the significance of getting a head start and making a strong initial impression.
The idiom "straight away" is also related to the expression "off the bat." Both idioms convey a sense of immediacy and directness. When something happens "straight away," it means that it occurs immediately or without delay. Similarly, hitting a ball "off the bat" suggests an action that takes place without hesitation or interruption. Both idioms highlight the importance of acting quickly and decisively, without wasting time or getting sidetracked. They emphasize the value of efficiency and getting things done without unnecessary delay.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *off the bat* can be used in a sentence:
1. I knew *off the bat* that she was lying about her whereabouts last night.
2. The team scored two runs *off the bat* of their star player in the first inning.
3. He answered the question correctly *off the bat*, impressing everyone in the room.
More "Phrase" idioms
