at the first sign
idiom
: as soon as something happens that indicates an action or event has begun to take place
The bartender called the police at the first sign of trouble.
At the first sign of spring she planted annuals in her flower beds.
Examples of at the first sign in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Owners should visit a veterinarian at the first sign of hypothermia or frostbite.
—
Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Jan. 2025
However, many experts say, there’s been an overcorrection: The impulse to isolate and cut people off at the first sign of conflict can actually be detrimental to mental and social health.
—Allie Volpe, Vox, 15 Jan. 2025
Imagine what would happen if every team member felt empowered to abandon their tasks at the first sign of difficulty.
—Nate Bennett, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
The game was lost early as the Bulls crumbled at the first sign of pressure on the perimeter.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2025
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Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Jan. 2025
However, many experts say, there’s been an overcorrection: The impulse to isolate and cut people off at the first sign of conflict can actually be detrimental to mental and social health.
—Allie Volpe, Vox, 15 Jan. 2025
Imagine what would happen if every team member felt empowered to abandon their tasks at the first sign of difficulty.
—Nate Bennett, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
The game was lost early as the Bulls crumbled at the first sign of pressure on the perimeter.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for at the first sign
Dictionary Entries Near at the first sign
Cite this Entry
“At the first sign.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20the%20first%20sign. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
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