Time - Fast or Slowly

Dive into English idioms regarding fastness or slowness, like "in two shakes" and "by degrees".

review

flashcard

spelling

quiz

start-learning

to [watch] the clock [phrase]

to repeatedly check what time it is because time seems to pass slowly and one is bored or tired

Ex: We watched the clock anxiously , hoping the bus would n't be delayed any further .

on the spot [phrase]

in a way that is instant and has no delay

Ex: He responded on the spot when faced with a difficult question during the interview .

time flies [sentence]

used to convey the idea that time passes quickly or seems to move swiftly

Ex: After finishing the novel in one sitting , Sarah realized it was already midnight and exclaimed , " Wow , time flies when you 're lost in a good book ! "

at the drop of a (hat|dime) [phrase]

with no hesitation

Ex: We traveled together often , and she would join me at the drop of a dime .

in a trice [phrase]

within a very short time

Ex: He finishes his daily workout routine in a trice , maintaining his fitness goals .

in two shakes [phrase]

soon or in a quick manner

Ex: He fixes technical issues in two shakes , resolving problems swiftly .

on a dime [phrase]

used to describe something, typically an action or change, that is done without any difficulty or hesitation

Ex: He stops his car on a dime , avoiding a collision with impressive reflexes .

(right|) out of the [gate] [phrase]

used to mean something happens or is done immediately

Ex: They will be implementing their new strategy out of the gate , aiming for immediate results .

at a (single|) stroke [phrase]

accomplishing or achieving something in one decisive action or with a single effort

Ex: He plans to launch the product at a stroke , capturing a significant market share in one fell swoop .

now or never [phrase]

used to suggest that right now is the only time a person has a chance for taking an opportunity or else they lose it forever

Ex: He understands that it 's now or never to confess his feelings to his longtime crush .

time will tell [sentence]

used to mean that by passing time it will be proved if something is true, valid, or effective

Ex:

cold turkey [phrase]

in a manner that is sudden, unexpected, and not gradual

Ex: They give up fast food cold turkey , eliminating it completely from their diet .

in the (blink|twinkle) of an eye [phrase]

very quickly or suddenly

Ex: He was responding in the blink of an eye , showing his ability to handle unexpected challenges .

(right|) off the bat [phrase]

in an instant and with no delay

Ex: The team scored a goal off the bat , surprising their opponents .

slow day [noun]

a long day that is unproductive and boring

Ex: From the lack of reservations on the books , it looks like it 's going to be a slow day for us this Saturday .

by degrees [phrase]

used to refer to a process that occurs slowly or step by step over time, rather than happening suddenly or all at once

Ex: They are repairing the old house by degrees , tackling one room at a time and slowly restoring it to its former glory .

before {sb} (can|could) say Jack Robinson [phrase]

so suddenly or quickly that leaves one with no time to react or notice anything

Ex: They resolved the issue before anyone could say Jack Robinson , finding a quick and effective solution .

Time
Frequency	Span & Duration	Continuity	Late or Early
Fast or Slowly	The Near Future	The Right Time	Putting Off
Haste	Waiting	Time