be fast on the draw
1. Literally, to be very quick at drawing one's gun in readiness to shoot it. The gunfighter was so fast on the draw that he often shot his enemies before they reached their own gun. He must be awfully fast on the draw if he's survived that many duels! You've gotta be fast on the draw if you want to make it in the Wild West, sonny!
2. By extension, to be able to understand, anticipate, or react to a given situation or circumstance very quickly. Faced with criticism by environmentalists, the company's PR rep was fast on the draw to point out its important role in job creation for the local community. John is fast on the draw to defend himself when criticized. You have to be fast on the draw if you want to get ahead in the world of business.
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