1 B1 idiomatic neutral
To accept or respond to an opportunity, offer, or idea with great enthusiasm.
"She jumped at the chance to study abroad when the scholarship was offered."
inseparable
jump at
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
To accept or take an opportunity eagerly and without hesitation.
In plain English
To say yes to a chance very quickly because you really want it.
What does "jump at" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To move suddenly toward someone or something; to lunge at.
"The cat jumped at the piece of string dangling from my hand."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To physically leap toward something — transparent in the literal sense.
Actually means
To say yes to a chance very quickly because you really want it.
Usage tip
Almost always used with 'chance', 'opportunity', or 'offer'. Conveys enthusiasm and readiness. Also used literally to mean to spring toward someone or something suddenly. Both senses are common.
Words that pair with "jump at"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
chance opportunity offer invitation job idea
How to conjugate "jump at"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
jump at
I/you/we/they
3rd person
jumps at
he/she/it
Past simple
jumped at
yesterday
Past participle
jumped at
have + pp
-ing form
jumping at
continuous
Hear "jump at" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "jump at" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.