at the whim of (someone)
idiom
: when (someone) wishes, desires, or decides something often in a sudden way
The shop is only open at the whim of the owner.
Examples of at the whim of (someone) in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But public funds are doled out - and withdrawn - at the whim of politicians.
—
Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 13 Dec. 2024
Goodbye, old guard Historical look at gas prices, according to AAA
Why gas is a gauge for other economic issues
Gas prices, though often at the whim of the global market, are a relatable issue for voters, Franklin said.
—Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 18 July 2024
As a result, farmers are subject to arbitrary dispossession, usually at the whim of political predators.
—Michael Bratton, Foreign Affairs, 10 July 2016
That allows [artists] to have sustainable careers that aren’t just driven off programmatic playlisting and being at the whim of that ecosystem.
—Mark Sutherland, Variety, 27 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for at the whim of (someone) 
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.
Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 13 Dec. 2024
Goodbye, old guard Historical look at gas prices, according to AAA
Why gas is a gauge for other economic issues
Gas prices, though often at the whim of the global market, are a relatable issue for voters, Franklin said.
—Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 18 July 2024
As a result, farmers are subject to arbitrary dispossession, usually at the whim of political predators.
—Michael Bratton, Foreign Affairs, 10 July 2016
That allows [artists] to have sustainable careers that aren’t just driven off programmatic playlisting and being at the whim of that ecosystem.
—Mark Sutherland, Variety, 27 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for at the whim of (someone)
Dictionary Entries Near at the whim of (someone)
Cite this Entry
“At the whim of (someone).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20the%20whim%20of%20%28someone%29. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share