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.
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.
The idiom "quick on the draw" means to be very fast in reacting or responding to a situation or challenge.
The idiom "quick off the mark" means to react quickly or be ready to take action immediately.
The idiom "quick-fire" means to do or say something very quickly without much hesitation or delay.
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
