What does “On the spur of the moment” mean?

"On the spur of the moment" means making a decision or taking action without planning or thinking ahead.

What context can I use the in?

Example

We decided to go on a road trip on the spur of the moment.

Example

He bought a ticket to Paris on the spur of the moment.

Example

They eloped and got married on the spur of the moment

Is “On the spur of the moment” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“On the spur of the moment” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “On the spur of the moment” effectively in context?

You can use "On the Spur of the Moment" to describe doing something without planning or thinking ahead, acting suddenly or impulsively. It often implies a sense of spontaneity and excitement. For example, if a friend asks you about your weekend plans, you might say, 'We decided to go on a road trip "on the spur of the moment". We just packed our bags and hit the road.'

1Social Events
He bought a ticket to the concert on the spur of the moment and had an amazing time.
2Travel
They booked a last-minute vacation on the spur of the moment and ended up exploring a new city.
3Shopping
She saw a dress she loved and bought it on the spur of the moment, without considering the price.

Similar phrases to “On the spur of the moment”:

In the heat of the moment

Doing something impulsively or without thinking due to strong emotions or excitement

Example

He said something hurtful in the heat of the moment and immediately regretted it.

Fly by the seat of one's pants

To do something without a plan or preparation, relying on intuition or improvisation

Example

She didn't have a script, so she had to fly by the seat of her pants during the presentation.

Go with the flow

To adapt to a situation or make decisions spontaneously without resistance

Example

They didn't have a set itinerary, they just decided to go with the flow and see where the day took them.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “On the spur of the moment” come from?

The origin of the phrase "On the Spur of the Moment" is unknown.

Is “On the spur of the moment” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "On the Spur of the Moment" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe impulsive actions or decisions that are made without much thought or planning.

What tone does “On the spur of the moment” have?

"On the Spur of the Moment" conveys a tone of spontaneity and excitement. It's often used to describe fun and adventurous experiences that happen unexpectedly.

Can “On the spur of the moment” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "On the Spur of the Moment" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes impulsive actions or decisions. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as business meetings or professional writing.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'They decided to go on a road trip "on the spur of the moment".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Let's do it "on the spur of the moment"!' to suggest a spontaneous activity.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

impulsively
suddenly
off the cuff
without forethought
without planning