on the ready
4
5.3
- idiom
- Put all forces on the ready to initiate emergency protocols.
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Watch on YouTubeLook alert and don't get distracted by the noise of talking so you can be on the ready.
- Look alert and don't get distracted by the noise of talking so you can be on the ready.
Examples
-
The tip about having everything right there on the ready made such a difference.
Blog text (1) -
Tricky, always on the ready.
Fiction book (1998) -
You should always keep a first aid kit on the ready for emergencies.
-
The team was on the ready to respond immediately to any technical issues.
-
She kept the supplies on the ready for the big event this weekend.
Synonyms
∞
1.3
Ready to use or do something when needed
135
3.5
A state of being ready and watchful for possible danger
100
3.5
Ready to start or continue something
59
3.7
Kept ready to be used if needed
41
4.3
Prepared to begin an activity such as a game or meeting
31
4.6
Ready to take action or respond quickly
21
3.5
Prepared and available to use immediately
14
3.7
Ready to use when needed
12
2.8
Completely prepared and willing to begin
12
2.3
The state of being prepared to act immediately
10
3.0
Fully prepared and available to begin or help right away
6
5.3
Fully prepared for immediate fighting, for example troops or equipment
1
3.4
You can reach and use it right away
How Ready
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase meaning 'prepared and alert' is directly derivable from combining 'on' (marking a state or condition) with 'ready' (able to act immediately); the definite article does not block this compositional reading. This 'on + adjective' pattern (compare 'on standby', 'on duty') is common cross-linguistically, so a B1 learner who knows the words will readily infer the MWE meaning.
Etymology
On the ready creates a simple image: something kept on a table or hook so it is ready to use at once. So on the ready means 'prepared and able to act quickly'.