THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
On the spur of the moment
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Suddenly, without planning in advance.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- On the spur of the moment, we decided to visit the museum.
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 decided to visit the museum.
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On the spur of the moment — Suddenly, without planning in advance.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “On the spur of the moment” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
Suddenly, without planning in advance.
Compare: On the spur of the moment, we decided to visit the museum.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it informally when a decision or action is spontaneous. It can describe a pleasant surprise or an impulsive choice.
More examples in context
- I bought the notebook on the spur of the moment.
- She invited her neighbours for tea on the spur of the moment.
Usage note
Use on, not in, at the start. Before a noun, use hyphens: “a spur-of-the-moment decision.”
A short conversation
A: When did you plan this picnic?
B: We did not. We decided on the spur of the moment when the sun came out.
A: What a pleasant surprise.
One more practice question
Which trip is planned on the spur of the moment?
A. A trip decided on suddenly that morning with no earlier plan.
B. A trip carefully arranged six months in advance.
Check your answer
A. The decision is spontaneous rather than planned ahead.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.