at the ready
Ready; in a state of preparation or waiting; in position or anticipation.
The soldiers held their rifles at the ready and listened for the enemy.
VERBS
appear, be, feel, look, seem
get
The students are getting ready for their final exam next week.
get sb
I need to get my daughter ready for school before the bus arrives at eight o'clock.
consider sb, declare sb, deem sb, judge sb
The teacher considered the students ready to take the final exam after weeks of preparation.
ADV
all
The team was all ready for the match when the coach announced a change to the lineup.
not quite
She was not quite ready to start her new job on Monday morning.
(just) about, almost, nearly, practically
The cake is almost ready to come out of the oven.
always, ever | not yet
emotionally
After months of therapy, she finally felt emotionally ready to start dating again.
PREP
for
She was ready for her job interview and had practiced answering difficult questions all week.
with
My teacher is always ready with helpful advice when students have problems.
VERBS
be, stand
The lifeguard stood ready at the pool, watching carefully for any swimmers in trouble.
have sth, hold sth, keep sth, leave sth
The chef kept all the ingredients ready before the dinner service began.
get sth, make sth
She spent the afternoon getting everything ready for her son's birthday party.
consider sth, declare sth, deem sth, judge sth
After the mechanic finished the repairs, he deemed the car ready for the long road trip.
PREP
for
The children were ready for bed after a long day at school.
VERBS
appear, be, seem | remain
ADV
more than, only too, very
My parents were only too ready to help us move into our new apartment.
always, ever | apparently | clearly
PHRASES
ready and willing
The volunteers were ready and willing to assist with the community cleanup project.