Question

for the last few days ive been quite sick. ive barely gotten out of bed. ive just been lying around coughing and sneezing. however, when my grandma and grandpa heard that i was sick, they came over at the drop of a hat.

what is the meaning of the underlined idiom?

• instantly
• slowly
• hesitantly
• successfully

Explanation:

Analyze the context clues

Using the Idiomatic Expressions knowledge point
The narrator describes being very sick and barely able to get out of bed. Upon hearing this news, the grandparents came over "at the drop of a hat." This suggests a rapid, immediate response to help their sick grandchild.

Determine the meaning of the idiom

Using the Idiomatic Expressions knowledge point
The idiom "at the drop of a hat" means to do something immediately, instantly, or without any delay. Comparing this definition to the given options:

• "instantly" matches the immediate nature of the action.
• "slowly" is the opposite of the idiom's meaning.
• "hesitantly" implies doubt or delay, which contradicts the immediate response.
• "successfully" refers to the outcome rather than the speed or readiness of the action.

Answer:

• instantly (Correct answer)
• slowly
• hesitantly
• successfully