At the Drop of a Hat
My grandmother worked in her flowers at the drop of a hat. I wish I had inherited her green thumb.
My talent? I cry at the drop of a hat.
- Happy times? I cry.
- Sad times? I cry.
- Babies and puppies? I cry.
- Sad books or movies. I cry.
Tears come quickly, and almost anything causes them.
At the drop of a hat means suddenly and with little warning.
Many of us laugh at the drop of a hat. We find humor everywhere. People around us laugh at our laughter. What a hoot!
At the drop of the hat also means without delay.
Mention travel, and we pack our bags to hit the trail. We want to leave immediately, if not sooner.
This expression probably originated with dropping a hat as a signal.
According to The Free Dictionary, a dropped hat signaled “the start of a race or other contest” in the late 1800s.
A few people help others at the drop of a hat.
If they have it, they share it.
- Time
- Abilities
- Money
- Possessions
Without hesitation, they practice “What’s mine is yours.”
We read such a story in the Bible (Luke 10:25-37). Often called the parable of the good Samaritan, one man helped another who had been robbed and beaten. The Samaritan ignored differences in background and culture. He simply saw a need and met it.
Referring to the good Samaritan, Jesus said, “Go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37 NIV).
Thanks to Ginny Merritt for the suggestion.
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6 thoughts on “At the Drop of a Hat”
I tear up at the drop of a hat, too, for the same occasions as you list. Really enjoyed your message. It’s a great reminder for us to always be kind (at the drop of a hat). Blessings!
Thank you for so many expressions of kindness, Katherine. Blessings.
“Hat drops” happen suddenly and without warning. We can be “going along” and having a wonderfully peaceful day and then “out of the blue” something happens that triggers an emotional response. Was that response in response to the event that happened or is it from a past memory being replayed in response to the event’s trigger? When we recognize the possibility that what we’re having is not a thought but a memory being replayed, then it becomes much easier to control our emotions, rather than allowing our emotions to control us. Loved the thoughts your words evoked Ms. Diana. Thank you!
Thank you for your thought-provoking comments and encouragement, J.D. I especially liked your words on controlling our emotions rather than letting our emotions control us. Blessings.
I have been known to cry at the drop of a hat. Holding those tears inside is not good. I’m thankful to be comforted by God when tears come.
I’m so thankful for God’s comfort too, Melissa. Blessings on you and your tears, my friend.