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.
adj
Prepared for immediate action or use.
I made ready to set out on my journey.
The troops are ready for battle.
Prepared for immediate action or use.
a loaf of ready-sliced bread
The cave was like a ready-made home for us.
Inclined; apt to happen.
Liable at any moment.
The seed is ready to sprout.
My heart is ready to crack.
Not slow or hesitating; quick in action or perception of any kind.
a ready apprehension
ready wit
verb
To prepare; to make ready for action.
Immigration agents in military green surrounded MacArthur Park as the convoy readied for a show of force akin to a Hollywood movie.
noun
Ready money; cash.
[H]e vvas not fluſh in Ready, either to go to Lavv or clear old Debts, neither could he find good Bail: […]
[…] he was generous when he had the cash. Many a time he kept me going in drink through the week when I was stuck for the ready […]