jump at
B1-B2Informal to neutral.
Definition
Meaning
To accept an opportunity or offer eagerly and without hesitation.
To react with immediate, enthusiastic agreement or to seize a chance with promptness.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A phrasal verb implying a rapid, positive response. Often suggests the offer is unexpectedly good or advantageous. Used primarily with opportunities, offers, and chances.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slight preference for 'leap at' as a stronger variant in UK English, but 'jump at' is standard in both.
Connotations
Equally positive and eager in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both UK and US English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Subject + jump at + noun phrase (opportunity/offer/chance)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Common when discussing career moves, project opportunities, or deals. 'She jumped at the offer to lead the new division.'
Academic
Rare in formal academic writing; appears in informal discourse among academics regarding opportunities (conferences, grants).
Everyday
Very common for social invitations, purchases, or chances to do something enjoyable.
Technical
Not typically used in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- When they offered him a transfer to the Madrid office, he jumped at it.
- I'd jump at the chance to see that play in the West End.
American English
- She jumped at the offer to work from home permanently.
- Any writer would jump at an opportunity to publish with that house.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He jumped at the offer of a free ice cream.
- She jumped at the chance to meet the famous footballer.
- If they ask you to help, you should jump at the opportunity.
- I jumped at the invitation to visit my friend in Paris.
- Most junior lawyers would jump at the chance to work on such a high-profile case.
- Given the state of the job market, he jumped at the firm's proposal.
- A shrewd investor would have jumped at such favourable terms without a second thought.
- Despite initial reservations, she found herself jumping at the unconventional career move.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a dog JUMPing AT a ball thrown for it – it reacts instantly and with excitement.
Conceptual Metaphor
ENTHUSIASM IS UPWARD MOTION / OPPORTUNITY IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT TO BE SEIZED.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'прыгать на' which implies physical leaping. Use 'ухватиться за (возможность)', 'согласиться не раздумывая'.
Common Mistakes
- Using a preposition other than 'at' (e.g., 'jump on the chance' – less standard). Forgetting that it requires an object (You jump AT something).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence correctly uses 'jump at'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is generally considered informal. In formal contexts, alternatives like 'seize', 'readily accept', or 'eagerly embrace' are preferable.
No, there is no direct nominalisation. You would use phrases like 'eager acceptance' or 'readiness to seize an opportunity'.
'Jump at' means to eagerly accept an abstract opportunity. 'Jump on' can mean to physically leap onto something, or figuratively to criticise or attack someone quickly ('jump on a mistake').
No, it is an inseparable phrasal verb. The object always comes after 'at': 'jump at the chance'.