quick on the draw

comparative quicker on the draw · superlative quickest on the draw

1. idiomaticCharacterized by rapid response, as to a verbal remark or to a new situation; quick to act.

   Wal, if a man can stand the loneliness, an' if he's quick on the draw, mebbe lone-wolfin' it is the best.

   1915, Zane Grey, The Lone Star Ranger

   2 more examples

   Quick on the draw with a slogan, Mr. Mandelson said he would create a project deserving cheers, not jeers, and promptly changed the sinister-sounding name of the publicly owned managing company, Millennium Central.

   1997 July 28, Warren Hoge, “Where Time Begins, a Millennium Pleasure Dome”, in New York Times, retrieved 29 May 2011

   Some advisers and financial institutions are a little too quick on the draw with Individual Retirement Account rollovers.

   2007 January 24, Ed Slott, “Five Mistakes You Can't Afford to Make”, in forbes.com, retrieved 29 May 2011

   Synonyms: quick-witted