on the hop

(Brit. informal)

1 he was caught on the hop: UNPREPARED, unready, off guard, unawares, by surprise, with one's defences down; informal napping; Brit. informal with one's trousers down.

2 we were always kept on the hop: BUSY, occupied, employed, working, at work, on the job; rushed off one's feet; informal on the go.

→ hop

* * *

adverb (or adjective)

Britain : in the act : with the goods : by surprise or unawares — usually used in the phrase catch on the hop

would never catch him on the hop — Sydney (Australia) Bulletin

that flood of customers caught them on the hop — Fred Majdalany

* * *

on the hop

1. In a state of restless activity

2. In the act, unawares, at the very moment

• • •

Main Entry: ↑hop

* * *

Brit., informal

1) unprepared

he was caught on the hop

2) bustling around; busy

we were always kept on the hop