always on the hoof

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "always on the hoof" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is constantly busy or in a hurry, often moving from one task to another without pause. Example: "With her hectic schedule, she is always on the hoof, juggling meetings and deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Lunch is always on the hoof.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The same on-the-hoof quality has always been evident in his world-building.

The Guardian - Books

"On-the-hoof conservation is important," Mr. Borden said.

The New York Times - Food

Which is pretty much trademark Trump Twitter policy-on-the-hoofing.

TechCrunch

Some photographers give their shot-on-the-hoof pics a gentle tweak using Instagram.

BBC

No one: they are making this up on the hoof.

The Guardian - Opinion

Horse always land on one hoof, placing all their weight here.

WikiHow

They make policies up on the hoof.

The Economist

But it's all on the hoof.

The Guardian

You are, quite literally, on the hoof.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So instead we lunch on the hoof.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "always on the hoof" when you want to convey a sense of constant movement, activity, or a lack of planning. It is particularly effective in informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "always on the hoof" in contexts where you literally mean being on an animal's foot. The idiom refers to being constantly active or making decisions without planning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "always on the hoof" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, describing how an action is performed. It indicates that the action is done constantly or without much planning, reflecting the manner in which something occurs, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "always on the hoof" is an idiom that signifies constant activity, improvisation, or a lack of pre-planning. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although its usage is relatively rare and leans towards informal contexts. While it is mainly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, it's important to use it judiciously in formal writing. Alternative phrases such as "ever on the go" or "deciding on the fly" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. Remember that the phrase refers to being constantly active or making decisions without planning, not its literal interpretation. Thus, consider if it aligns with your desired formality and communicative intention to effectively convey your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ever on the go

Synonymous, but places more emphasis on movement and activity.

deciding on the fly

Emphasizes quick decisions made in response to immediate situations.

constantly in motion

Emphasizes continuous movement and activity; slightly more literal.

making it up as you go

Focuses on the unplanned, reactive nature of actions.

perpetually in transit

Highlights the state of being constantly traveling or moving.

reacting without preparation

Highlights the lack of preparation and the reactive nature of the action.

continually rushed

Focuses on the feeling of being hurried or pressed for time.

spontaneously improvising

Highlights the aspect of making decisions without prior planning.

incessantly bustling

Suggests a frenetic and energetic activity.

forever scrambling

Implies a sense of struggling to keep up with demands.

FAQs

How can I use "always on the hoof" in a sentence?

You can use "always on the hoof" to describe someone who is constantly busy or making decisions without planning. For example: "Due to the urgent project requirements, the team was "always on the hoof", improvising solutions as challenges arose".

What does "always on the hoof" mean?

It means being constantly active, busy, or making decisions and plans spontaneously, without much forethought or preparation. It often implies a sense of urgency or improvisation.

What are some alternatives to "always on the hoof"?

Alternatives include "ever on the go", "making it up as you go", or "deciding on the fly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "always on the hoof" formal or informal?

"Always on the hoof" is generally considered informal. It is suitable for casual conversation and less formal writing but might not be appropriate for academic or professional contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives in those settings.