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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 There’s a little anxiety around leaving the nest and being at the whim of other people. Mikey O'Connell, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 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 8 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!