At the ready Meaning in English
expression
ˈæt/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈɹɛdi
AT thuh RED-ee
ˈæt/ /ðə, ði/ /ɹˈɛdi
AT thuh RED-ee
Definition
Prepared and available to use, act, or respond immediately if needed.
Usage & Nuances
Often used formally or in military, security, or emergency situations, but also applies in daily life. Indicates readiness for immediate action; found in phrases like 'keep your phone at the ready.' Not used for casual, ongoing states like 'being available.'
Spanish: listo para usar - preparadoPortuguese (BR): à disposição - pronto para usarPortuguese (PT): pronto a usar - à disposiçãoChinese (Simplified): 随时待命 - 准备好Chinese (Traditional): 隨時待命 - 準備好Hindi: तैयारArabic: جاهزBengali: তৈরি অবস্থায় - প্রস্তুত অবস্থায়Russian: наготове - в полной готовностиJapanese: すぐ使えるように - 待機してVietnamese: sẵn sàngKorean: 대기 중인 - 준비된 상태로Turkish: hazır şekilde - tetikteUrdu: تیار حالت میںIndonesian: siap sedia - dalam keadaan siap
Example Sentences
The firefighter kept his gear at the ready.
basic
She waited by the phone at the ready for news.
basic
The soldiers stood at the ready.
basic
I always keep an extra charger at the ready in my bag.
natural
We've got snacks at the ready in case people get hungry.
natural
Don’t worry—I have my passport at the ready if we need it.
natural