on the hop
on the hop
1. Continually active; very busy; having a hectic or chaotic schedule. I've been on the hop all day long getting various things done. I'm glad to be home now!
2. In a state of unpreparedness; unawares. (Used primarily in the phrases "catch someone on the hop" or "caught on the hop.") If we attack before sunrise, we just might be able to catch our enemies on the hop! I hadn't prepared anything to say at the reception, so I was caught on the hop a bit when they asked me to say a few words.
See also: hop, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
on the hop
unprepared. British informal 1991 M. S. Power Come the Executioner He went down to the dining-room, catching the staff on the hop, but they greeted him cheerfully enough.
See also: hop, on
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- never a dull moment
- the calm after a storm
- hop to it
- Hop to it!
- once the dust has settled
- after the dust has settled
- after the dust settles
- when the dust has settled
- bunny hop
- hop joint