What does “One fell swoop” mean?
"One fell swoop" means that something is done all at once or in a single action.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He cleaned the entire house in one fell swoop.
Example
The company laid off all its employees in one fell swoop.
Example
She finished all her homework in one fell swoop
Is “One fell swoop” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“One fell swoop” 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 “One fell swoop” effectively in context?
You can use "One Fell Swoop" to describe a situation where something is done all at once or in a single action. It emphasizes the speed and efficiency of completing a task or making a decision. For example, if someone finishes all their work for the day in a short amount of time, you might say, 'Wow, you did it all in one fell swoop!'
- 1Cleaning
He cleaned the entire house in one fell swoop.
- 2Job Loss
The company laid off all its employees in one fell swoop.
- 3Homework
She finished all her homework in one fell swoop.
Similar phrases to “One fell swoop”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “One fell swoop” come from?
The origin of the phrase "One Fell Swoop" is unknown.
Is “One fell swoop” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "One Fell Swoop" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where something is done quickly and efficiently, emphasizing the speed and completeness of the action.
What tone does “One fell swoop” have?
"One Fell Swoop" conveys a tone of efficiency and effectiveness. It suggests that a task or action was completed swiftly and thoroughly.
Can “One fell swoop” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "One Fell Swoop" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes completing something quickly and efficiently. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He finished all his work in one fell swoop.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Done in "one fell swoop"!' to imply the completion of a task.
