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Region: General | Usage example: They booked the trip on a whim.

On a whim

Meaning

Act impulsively without planning.

Usage

Used to describe spontaneous acts.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Whim is short for whim-wham, meaning a capricious fancy.

From the 18th century onward.

Related Idioms

Flying by the seat of your pants

Acting on instinct without planning.

Ready, fire, aim

Act impulsively before planning.

At the drop of a hat

Immediately, without hesitation.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.