What does “Hop, skip, and a jump” mean?
"Hop, skip, and a jump" means a short distance that can be covered by quickly hopping, skipping, and jumping.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The store is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from my house.
Example
We only have to walk a hop, skip, and a jump to get to the beach.
Example
The park is just a hop, skip, and a jump from the office
Is “Hop, skip, and a jump” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Hop, skip, and a jump” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Hop, skip, and a jump” effectively in context?
You can use "Hop, skip, and a jump" to describe a short distance between two places. It emphasizes that the distance is very close and can be covered quickly. For example, if someone asks how far a restaurant is from your house, you can say, 'Oh, it's just a hop, skip, and a jump away.'
- 1Location
The store is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from my house.
- 2Leisure
We only have to walk a hop, skip, and a jump to get to the beach.
- 3Work
The park is just a hop, skip, and a jump from the office.
Similar phrases to “Hop, skip, and a jump”:
Stone's throw
A very short distance
Example
The café is just a stone's throw away from here.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Hop, skip, and a jump” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Hop, skip, and a jump" is unknown.
Is “Hop, skip, and a jump” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Hop, skip, and a jump" is a common expression in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe short distances in a playful and informal way.
What tone does “Hop, skip, and a jump” have?
"Hop, skip, and a jump" conveys a tone of informality and lightheartedness. It is commonly used in casual conversations among friends, family, and colleagues.
Can “Hop, skip, and a jump” be used in informal and formal settings?
While "Hop, skip, and a jump" is more commonly used in informal settings, it can also be used in some formal situations to add a touch of playfulness or to create a friendly atmosphere. However, it is important to consider the context and the level of formality when using this expression.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The store is just a hop, skip, and a jump away.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'It's just a "hop, skip, and a jump"!' to imply that something is very close.
