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Wiktionary
at the ready

prep.phr. (context idiomatic English) Ready; in a state of preparation or waiting; in position or anticipation.

WordNet
at the ready

adj. ready for immediate use; "soldiers with guns at the ready"; "students with pens and notebooks at the ready" [syn: at the ready(p)]

Usage examples of "at the ready".

Koshmar, clutching her spear at the ready, was prowling about looking for more attackers, but there were none.