spur of the moment: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘spur of the moment’ mean?
The idiom "spur of the moment" refers to a sudden decision or action made without prior planning or thought.
Idiom Explorer
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Spur of the moment is an idiom used to describe an action or decision that is made quickly, without thought or planning. It signifies a spontaneous choice or action that is not premeditated or carefully considered beforehand. The idiom implies that the decision was made on the spur, or the sharp pointed piece of a tool, which symbolizes its hasty and impulsive nature.
The idiom "spur of the moment" is believed to have originated in the early 1800s. The phrase "spur" in this context refers to the sharp, curved tool used by horse riders to direct and accelerate their horses. It was commonly used as a metaphor for encouraging something to move forward quickly or forcefully. The addition of "of the moment" emphasizes the immediacy and spontaneity of the action or decision.
While the origin of the idiom is uncertain, it is widely accepted and used in contemporary English. It is often employed to describe actions or decisions made without prior planning or forethought. It is frequently used in casual conversations, as well as in more formal contexts, to convey the idea of acting on impulse or seizing the moment.
Examples of how "spur of the moment" is used in sentences:
"I hadn't planned on going to the concert, but on a whim, I decided to buy tickets."
"He made a spur of the moment decision to quit his job and travel the world."
"Their wedding was organized on the spot, with only a few days' notice."
It is important to note that the idiom can be used both neutrally and negatively. While some spur of the moment actions or decisions can lead to exciting and unexpected outcomes, others may result in regrets or unfavorable consequences. The idiom does not inherently imply whether the outcome of the spontaneous action or decision is favorable or unfavorable.
The idiom "spur of the moment" is a commonly used expression in American English. It is used to describe actions or decisions made impulsively and without prior planning or forethought. The origin of the idiom is uncertain, but it has been used for centuries. The phrase "spur" refers to a horse-riding tool used to encourage quick movements, and "of the moment" emphasizes the immediacy of the action or decision. Whether a spur of the moment decision leads to favorable or unfavorable outcomes varies on a case-by-case basis.
Example usage
Example 1: Sarah decided to go on a road trip with her friends on the spur of the moment.
Example 2: Tom bought a new guitar on the spur of the moment, without thinking about the cost.
Example 3: The decision to get married was made on the spur of the moment, without any prior planning.
More "Impulsivity" idioms
