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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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 Don’t forget, though—investing is a long-term strategy, so avoid pulling money out at the first sign of market fluctuations. —

Kody Boye, Journal Sentinel, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for at the first sign

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“At the first sign.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20the%20first%20sign. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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