Frequent variations:
jump at the chance
jump at the offer
jump at the opportunity
jump at the bait
Meaning of Idiom ‘Jump at Something’
To jump at something, such as a chance, offer, or opportunity, it is to quickly take advantage of it; to not hesitate to avail oneself of an opportunity; to enthusiastically seize an offer or opportunity. 1,2,3
Also, to jump at someone or something, in a more literal sense, means to leap or bound toward something as in an attack. It may also mean to verbally attack someone.
Sentence Examples
“I jumped at the chance to relocate to Italy. I’ve always wanted to live there.”
“When he was offered the lead role in the newest Marvel superhero movie, he jumped at the opportunity.”
“Marty jumped at the offer of more money and better benefits.”
“He thought people would jump at the chance to work for him. He was wrong.”
“He jumped at me and tried to hit me. I had no choice but to defend myself.”
Origin
Used since the mid-1700s. 4
References
- Ammer, Christine. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.
- Brenner, Gail. Webster’s New World American Idioms Handbook. John Wiley & Sons, 2011.
- Spears, Richard A. McGraw-Hill’s American Idioms Dictionary. Boston: McGraw Hill, 2008.
- Ammer, Christine. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.