On the spur of the moment

adverb

Suddenly; without planning or preparation.

She decided to go on a trip on the spur of the moment.
Visual representation of "on the spur of the moment" - Suddenly; without planning or preparation.

Often appears as...

  • decide on the spur of the moment
  • act on the spur of the moment

Usage tips

Idiomatic

adverb

Done instantly and without conscious thought or decision.

On the spur of the moment, he proposed to her in front of everyone.
Visual representation of "on the spur of the moment" - Done instantly and without conscious thought or decision.

Often appears as...

  • propose on the spur of the moment
  • buy on the spur of the moment

Usage tips

Idiomatic

adverb

Suddenly; without planning or preparation.

She decided to go on a trip on the spur of the moment.
Visual representation of "on the spur of the moment" - Suddenly; without planning or preparation.

Often appears as...

  • decide on the spur of the moment
  • act on the spur of the moment

Usage tips

Idiomatic

adverb

Done instantly and without conscious thought or decision.

On the spur of the moment, he proposed to her in front of everyone.
Visual representation of "on the spur of the moment" - Done instantly and without conscious thought or decision.

Often appears as...

  • propose on the spur of the moment
  • buy on the spur of the moment

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "on the spur of the moment"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotionally Driven

The phrase implies action taken under strong emotion, without much thought.

Illustration for Emotionally Driven
He hugged her on the spur of the moment.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Informal Conversations

Best used in casual settings, it might sound too informal in serious or formal contexts.

Illustration for Informal Conversations
I invited them over on the spur of the moment.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Unplanned Action

Highlights the lack of planning, use it when emphasising spontaneity.

Illustration for Unplanned Action
We took a detour on the spur of the moment.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotionally Driven

The phrase implies action taken under strong emotion, without much thought.

Illustration for Emotionally Driven
He hugged her on the spur of the moment.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Informal Conversations

Best used in casual settings, it might sound too informal in serious or formal contexts.

Illustration for Informal Conversations
I invited them over on the spur of the moment.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Unplanned Action

Highlights the lack of planning, use it when emphasising spontaneity.

Illustration for Unplanned Action
We took a detour on the spur of the moment.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotionally Driven

The phrase implies action taken under strong emotion, without much thought.

Illustration for Emotionally Driven
He hugged her on the spur of the moment.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Informal Conversations

Best used in casual settings, it might sound too informal in serious or formal contexts.

Illustration for Informal Conversations
I invited them over on the spur of the moment.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Unplanned Action

Highlights the lack of planning, use it when emphasising spontaneity.

Illustration for Unplanned Action
We took a detour on the spur of the moment.
Visual representation of the word "On the spur of the moment"

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