The phrase suggests an urgent situation requiring quick action or decisions. He had to leave at short notice due to a family emergency.
Pro Tip 2/3
Potential Stress
Using 'at short notice' may imply a certain level of stress or inconvenience for the people involved. I had to find a babysitter at short notice, which was quite stressful.
Pro Tip 3/3
Work Context
Often used in a professional setting to describe sudden meetings, deadlines, or changes. Our boss scheduled a conference call at short notice, catching us off guard.