at the ready . at the ready {adj. phr.} Ready for use. The sailor stood at the bow, harpoon at the ready, as the boat neared the whale. Categories: add yours {adj. phr.} Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates © 2024 To section: A Subscribe to: American IdiomsIdioms feedEnglish languageHome page and general feed Comment on this entry