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on the hoof
 hoofhorse hoofhoof H0267700 (ho͝of, ho͞of)n. pl. hooves (ho͝ovz, ho͞ovz) or hoofs 1. a. The horny sheath covering the toes or lower part of the foot of a mammal of the orders Perissodactyla and Artiodactyla, such as a horse, ox, or deer.b. The foot of such an animal, especially a horse.2. Slang The human foot.v. hoofed, hoof·ing, hoofs v.tr. To trample with the hooves.v.intr. Slang 1. To dance, especially as a professional.2. To go on foot; walk.Idioms: hoof it Slang 1. To walk.2. To dance. on the hoof Not yet butchered; alive. Used especially of cattle.
[Middle English hof, from Old English hōf.]on the hoof
on the hoof1. Done quickly in response to something else. We don't have time to agonize here—we need to make a decision on the hoof.2. While walking. Because our boss rarely sits at her desk, she gives out our assignments on the hoof.3. Alive, as of cattle that have not yet been slaughtered. How many cows do you have on the hoof on your farm right now?See also: hoof, onon the hoof BRITISHCOMMON1. If you do something on the hoof, you do it as a quick reaction to something that has happened, rather than planning it carefully. They claimed that policy was being made on the hoof. In that situation, you have to make decisions on the hoof.2. If you do something on the hoof, you do it while standing or moving around doing other things. Young detectives got used to eating on the hoof and became uneasy if they spent more than ten minutes on a meal. These youngsters like to play their favourite music on the hoof. Note: To do something `on the hoof' literally means to do it while on horseback without stopping to get off. See also: hoof, onon the hoof 1 (of livestock) not yet slaughtered. 2 without great thought or preparation. 2 1997 Times Are we not witnessing an example of Tony Blair making policy on the hoof…with a decision to match the circumstances, not the principle? See also: hoof, onon the ˈhoof (British English, informal) if you do something on the hoof, you do it quickly and without giving it your full attention because you are doing something else at the same time: We made the decision on the hoof, late at night and without really thinking about the consequences.Meat that is sold, transported, etc. on the hoof is sold, etc. while the cow or sheep is still alive.See also: hoof, on on the hoof Not yet butchered; alive. Used especially of cattle.See also: hoof, onEncyclopediaSeehoof |