right off the bat

Pronunciation

• /raɪt ɔf ðə bæt/
• American: same as IPA

Origin

This idiom comes from baseball terminology, where 'bat' refers to the baseball bat. When a batter hits the ball well immediately after it's pitched, it goes "right off the bat."

Meaning

1. Immediately; without delay or hesitation
2. At the very beginning; from the start
3. Straight away; at once

Example Sentences

1. "Right off the bat, I knew she would be perfect for the job."
2. "Let me tell you right off the bat that this project won't be easy."
3. "He started asking questions right off the bat during the interview."

Related Words

• Synonyms:
  • immediately
  • instantly
  • straightaway
  • from the get-go
  • from the outset
  • from the start

Memory Tricks

1. Visualize a baseball player hitting the ball instantly as it reaches the bat - there's no delay between the ball reaching the bat and being hit, just like there's no delay in the action being described.
2. Think of the quick, immediate action of a bat hitting a ball - it's a sudden, instantaneous movement, which mirrors the meaning of doing something without delay.

Usage Notes

• Informal expression commonly used in American English
• Often used at the beginning of sentences
• Can be used in both casual conversations and semi-formal situations