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.