be about to do something

be about to (do something)

To be ready to do something; to be going to do something in the next moment. I was just about to put the roast in the oven when the doorbell rang—that's why dinner isn't ready yet. I'm about to go to work, sweetie. Can it wait until tonight?

be about to do something

be going to do something immediately: I was about to phone him when he walked into the room.See also: something