Definition of "at the ready" [at the ready]

• Ready; in a state of preparation or waiting; in position or anticipation. (phrase)

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• "The whole thing had been glamorous and exciting for the first half hourthe gorgeous people, the racks of expensive clothing, the makeup and hair artists at the ready with their tool belts full of productsbut really, it was just a lot of standing around."
• "FEAR ITSELF: THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION REASSURES AMERICAYour government will stand at the ready 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to stop terrorism during the holiday season and beyond…."
• "To my right, on the back wall behind the engines, young Ed Coppoc and Emperor Green, the black, had their rifles at the ready through loopholes in the brick, and Jerry Anderson was at his post on the side wall, straddling Oliver's body."