be quick on the draw

be quick on the draw

1. Literally, to be very quick at drawing one's gun in readiness to shoot it. The gunfighter was so quick on the draw that he often shot his enemies before they reached their own gun. John is quick on the draw to defend himself when criticized.2. By extension, to understand, anticipate, or react to a given situation or circumstance very quickly. You have to be quick on the draw if you want to get ahead in the world of business. Faced with criticism by environmentalists, the company's PR rep was quick on the draw and pointed out its important role in job creation for the local community.See also: draw, on, quick

be fast/quick on the ˈdraw


1 (informal) be quick to understand or react in a new situation: You can’t fool him, he’s always quick on the draw.
2 be quick at pulling out a gun in order to shoot itSee also: draw, fast, on, quick