ready and steady

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ready and steady" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used as an idiom to suggest that one is prepared to do something, often with strength and resilience. For example, you might say, "We are ready and steady for the big game today!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

So far they have been ready and steady.

The Economist

If your dog gets hungry and irritable, he or she may become less predictable and say, "I'm outta here". Brace yourself when you encounter riskier situations: If you or your dog gets close to a situation where a sudden movement will occur, get ready and steady yourself.

Forbes

Seven years later, every single one of those political bites on a stick turned out to be spoiled by the ready and steady Obama.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Armchair astronomers were able to see the object with little more than binoculars at the ready and a steady pair of hands.

Independent

With an arsenal of Afro-Cuban drum patterns at the ready and a steady supply of MCs fast-chatting in Cuban Spanish or slipping into a reggae flow, he cranks out Latin-tinged rap numbers for Guampara Music, the country's first independent hip-hop production outfit.

Vice

As with the human genome, the race is between two teams using two different techniques: one method is rough-and-ready, the other slow-and-steady.

The Economist

She made her first television appearance in 1947 and was a regular guest on both Masterchef and Ready Steady Cook in later years.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Beside him stood his wife, Samantha, ready to reach out and steady him if he lifted a leg and tried to kick himself.

The New Yorker

The right-armer is clean-cut to Stokes's rough and ready, steady to his explosive.

The Guardian - Sport

This month they were on Top of the Pops and Ready, Steady, Go! Later they are to make a film.

The Guardian

We were supposedly taking part in a clean-eating debate with "nutritionist" Madeleine Shaw, author of Get the Glow and Ready Steady Glow.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ready and steady" to convey a sense of preparedness coupled with stability and reliability in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "ready and steady" in situations where a more dynamic or urgent sense of preparation is required; this phrase is better suited for conveying consistent preparedness rather than immediate action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ready and steady" functions as a compound adjective, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of preparedness and stability. As seen in Ludwig, it describes an attribute or a state of being.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ready and steady" is a compound adjective used to describe a state of preparedness combined with stability and reliability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. While not overly formal, it suits neutral contexts, particularly in news and media. Alternative phrases like "prepared and stable" offer similar nuances, making "ready and steady" a solid choice for conveying consistent and dependable readiness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

steady as she goes

An idiomatic expression emphasizing stability and maintaining course, similar to "ready and steady".

prepared and stable

Emphasizes stability more than "ready and steady".

well-prepared and dependable

Emphasizes both preparedness and the ability to be depended on.

primed and prepared

Highlights the preparation aspect with a touch more emphasis.

reliable and prepared

Emphasizes reliability along with preparation.

set and stable

Focuses on being set in place and stable, with a slightly different connotation.

organized and reliable

Shifts the focus to organization and the reliability of the actor.

poised and balanced

Highlights readiness and balance as the key aspects.

all set to go

Indicates a state of readiness for immediate action or departure.

in apple-pie order

Highlights being tidy and well-prepared, often associated with an effort to follow the rules.

FAQs

How can I use "ready and steady" in a sentence?

You can use "ready and steady" to describe a state of preparedness and stability, as in, "The team was "ready and steady" for the challenge ahead".

What does the phrase "ready and steady" imply?

The phrase "ready and steady" implies a combination of preparedness and stability, suggesting a reliable and consistent approach to a task or situation.

What are some alternatives to saying "ready and steady"?

Some alternatives include "prepared and stable", "well-prepared and dependable", or "steady as she goes", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "ready and steady" a formal or informal expression?

"Ready and steady" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal contexts.