Crossword Genius

Father had potato mashed without delay (2,3,4,2,1,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

at the drop of a hat

'without delay' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'father had potato mashed' is the wordplay.
'mashed' indicates an anagram.
'father'+'had'+'potato'='fatherhadpotato'
'fatherhadpotato' is an anagram of 'AT THE DROP OF A HAT'.

(Other definitions for at the drop of a hat that I've seen before include "instantly" , "When a tile descends" , "sudden" , "without delay" , "just like that" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Mail.
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