At/in one fell swoop
idiom
All at once, in a single action.
She finished all her homework at one fell swoop.
Often appears as...
- finish at one fell swoop
- accomplish at one fell swoop
Usage tips
Idiomatic
idiom
All at once, in a single action.
She finished all her homework at one fell swoop.
Often appears as...
- finish at one fell swoop
- accomplish at one fell swoop
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Dramatic Effect
The phrase often adds drama, emphasizing the speed and completeness of an action.
The magician made the birds vanish at one fell swoop.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
Can imply something negative, like a sudden disaster or loss.
The company's assets were seized at one fell swoop by the authorities.
Pro Tip 3/3Historical Origin
Originated from Shakespeare's Macbeth; often used in literary or historical contexts.
In her lecture, she quoted Macbeth, referring to life's fleeting moments 'at one fell swoop.'
Pro Tip 1/3Dramatic Effect
The phrase often adds drama, emphasizing the speed and completeness of an action.
The magician made the birds vanish at one fell swoop.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
Can imply something negative, like a sudden disaster or loss.
The company's assets were seized at one fell swoop by the authorities.
Pro Tip 3/3Historical Origin
Originated from Shakespeare's Macbeth; often used in literary or historical contexts.
In her lecture, she quoted Macbeth, referring to life's fleeting moments 'at one fell swoop.'
Pro Tip 1/3Dramatic Effect
The phrase often adds drama, emphasizing the speed and completeness of an action.
The magician made the birds vanish at one fell swoop.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
Can imply something negative, like a sudden disaster or loss.
The company's assets were seized at one fell swoop by the authorities.
Pro Tip 3/3Historical Origin
Originated from Shakespeare's Macbeth; often used in literary or historical contexts.
In her lecture, she quoted Macbeth, referring to life's fleeting moments 'at one fell swoop.'
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