on the spur of the moment vs in the heat of the moment

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'On the spur of the moment' is used to describe something done impulsively or without much thought, while 'in the heat of the moment' is used to describe something done impulsively due to strong emotions or excitement.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 1156 views

on the spur of the moment

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe something done impulsively or without much thought.

This phrase is used to describe a decision or action made suddenly, without planning or consideration.

Examples:

I booked a trip on the spur of the moment.
She decided to quit her job on the spur of the moment.
He bought a new car on the spur of the moment.

Show examples from the web [+]

None of this was done on the spur of the moment, and there were concrete reasons why security under these conditions had to be guaranteed.
You get married on the spur of the moment, - you walk out on your wife -
Somebody broke in on the spur of the moment but didn't know the pub had a flat connected to it.
However, it seems that Mr Campos' remarks were not made on the spur of the moment.
Took the job on the spur of the moment.
So you just decided to take off to Florida on the spur of the moment?
Took the job on the spur of the moment.
I didn't decide on the spur of the moment 'cause we ran out of sausages.
No, we can just pretend you decided to do it on the spur of the moment.
I got married on the spur of the moment, and I don't have a brain tumor.
I gave him that money on the spur of the moment, he didn't ask me for it.
Traveling on your own, making decisions on the spur of the moment, taking the risk that things will work out someplace new.
I know you're not a man to act on the spur of the moment so don't feel that you have to rush into a decision.
We react, though, always and only on the spur of the moment, and promptly forget all about it.
Some things are more exciting on the spur of the moment don't you think?
"I did on the spur of the moment"?
I did it on the spur of the moment ?
If a guy blows his top and sticks a knife into somebody, on the spur of the moment, that is,
On the spur of the moment, I cannot just tell you what concrete collaboration with universities and student exchange there may be.
I just came on the spur of the moment.

Alternatives:

impulsively
without much thought
suddenly
without planning
spontaneously

in the heat of the moment

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe something done impulsively due to strong emotions or excitement.

This phrase is used to describe a decision or action made impulsively as a result of intense emotions or excitement in a particular situation.

Examples:

He said some hurtful things in the heat of the moment.
She kissed him in the heat of the moment.
They made up in the heat of the moment.

Show examples from the web [+]

8 days ago ... in the heat of the moment definition: 1. If you say or do something in the heat of the moment, you say or do it without thinking because…
in the heat of the moment meaning: 1. If you say or do something in the heat of the moment, you say or do it without thinking because…. Learn more.

Alternatives:

impulsively due to strong emotions
spontaneously due to excitement
in a moment of intense emotion
in a burst of emotion
in a sudden rush of feeling

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on the spur of the moment vs in the heat of the moment