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
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
Younger generations, who are increasingly savvy and quick to tune out at the first sign of inauthenticity, are demanding more than lip service from public figures.
—Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
Wanting to flee at the first sign of heartbreak is a natural reaction.
—Sophie Prideaux, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Nov. 2024
But many experts don’t recommend that people pop zinc tablets at the first sign of a sniffle.
—Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for at the first sign 
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.
Kody Boye, Journal Sentinel, 12 Dec. 2024
Younger generations, who are increasingly savvy and quick to tune out at the first sign of inauthenticity, are demanding more than lip service from public figures.
—Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
Wanting to flee at the first sign of heartbreak is a natural reaction.
—Sophie Prideaux, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Nov. 2024
But many experts don’t recommend that people pop zinc tablets at the first sign of a sniffle.
—Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for at the first sign
Dictionary Entries Near 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 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share