THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
At the crack of dawn
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Very early in the morning, especially around daybreak.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- We left at the crack of dawn to set up the market stall.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
We left ________ to set up the market stall.
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At the crack of dawn — Very early in the morning, especially around daybreak.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “At the crack of dawn” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
Very early in the morning, especially around daybreak.
Compare: We left at the crack of dawn to set up the market stall.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it conversationally to emphasise an early start. It may be literal or a playful exaggeration.
More examples in context
- The birds woke me at the crack of dawn.
- She was already packing the van at the crack of dawn.
Usage note
It is not a fixed clock time, because daybreak changes with place and season. In casual conversation, people may use it loosely for a very early hour.
A short conversation
A: What time did you start setting up the exhibition?
B: At the crack of dawn. We wanted everything ready before visitors arrived.
A: That was an early start.
One more practice question
When does an event at the crack of dawn happen?
A. Late in the evening after dinner.
B. Very early in the morning.
Check your answer
B. The expression refers to daybreak or an unusually early morning start.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.