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(right) off the bat
01
in an instant and with no delay
Idiom
Informal
What is the origin of the idiom "off the bat" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom"off the bat" is rooted in baseball terminology. In baseball, when a batter hits the ball, it makes immediate contact with the bat and quickly flies off. This association of swift action and immediate response likely influenced the idiomatic usage of this expression to describe an action that is done without instantly and without any hesitation.
Example
They agreed to the terms of the contract off the bat.
The team scored a goal off the bat, surprising their opponents.
She knew the answer to the question right off the bat.
If there's an edge, it means the ball deflected off the bat to the fielding side.
She knew the answer to the question right off the bat.
Nearby Words