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
However, the Cleveland Clinic recommends seeking treatment at the first sign of being bitten to ease the recovery.
—
Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
Move indoors at the first sign of threatening skies or the first sound of thunder.
—Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2025
But not every plant in the garden wilts at the first sign of temperatures rising above 90 degrees.
—Heather Bien, Southern Living, 3 July 2025
For others, a short walk or stretch at the first sign of tension serves as an effective defense.
—Dilan Gomih, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for at the first sign
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Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
Move indoors at the first sign of threatening skies or the first sound of thunder.
—Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2025
But not every plant in the garden wilts at the first sign of temperatures rising above 90 degrees.
—Heather Bien, Southern Living, 3 July 2025
For others, a short walk or stretch at the first sign of tension serves as an effective defense.
—Dilan Gomih, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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 20 Jul. 2025.
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