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
Medication typically works better if taken at the first sign of an attack.3
Symptoms by Phase
The premonitory phase is the first stage of a migraine, occurring before the headache begins.
—
Janelle McSwiggin, Msn, Health, 17 Mar. 2025
During Trump's first term, his tax cuts for the ultra-rich exploded the deficit, and at the first sign of economic trouble, the economy stumbled.
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
That all means the usual Washington cavalry may not arrive at the first sign of economic trouble.
—Courtenay Brown, Axios, 10 Mar. 2025
This way, patios, decks, and porches can be enjoyed at the first sign of warm weather.
—Ali Faccenda, People.com, 4 Mar. 2025
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Janelle McSwiggin, Msn, Health, 17 Mar. 2025
During Trump's first term, his tax cuts for the ultra-rich exploded the deficit, and at the first sign of economic trouble, the economy stumbled.
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
That all means the usual Washington cavalry may not arrive at the first sign of economic trouble.
—Courtenay Brown, Axios, 10 Mar. 2025
This way, patios, decks, and porches can be enjoyed at the first sign of warm weather.
—Ali Faccenda, People.com, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for at the first sign
Cite this Entry
“At the first sign.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20the%20first%20sign. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
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