Presto
adverb
Used to show something is done quickly or immediately.
With a wave of the magician's wand, presto! A rabbit appears out of the hat.
Often appears as...
- presto change-o
- and presto
adverb
Used in music to show that a piece should be played at a fast tempo.
The concerto's final movement is marked 'presto'.
Often appears as...
- presto movement
- allegro presto
Usage tips
Technical
adverb
Used to show something is done quickly or immediately.
With a wave of the magician's wand, presto! A rabbit appears out of the hat.
Often appears as...
- presto change-o
- and presto
adverb
Used in music to show that a piece should be played at a fast tempo.
The concerto's final movement is marked 'presto'.
Often appears as...
- presto movement
- allegro presto
Usage tips
Technical
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Magic Expression
Often used by magicians to highlight a magical transformation or sudden occurrence.
He said 'presto', and the silk scarf vanished!
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Occasions
Best used in informal settings, as it can sound playful or lighthearted.
I pressed the button and, presto, the garage door opened.
Pro Tip 3/3Dramatic Effect
Use 'presto' to add drama or showiness, often with a touch of humor.
She spun around and, presto, revealed her new outfit.
Pro Tip 1/3Magic Expression
Often used by magicians to highlight a magical transformation or sudden occurrence.
He said 'presto', and the silk scarf vanished!
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Occasions
Best used in informal settings, as it can sound playful or lighthearted.
I pressed the button and, presto, the garage door opened.
Pro Tip 3/3Dramatic Effect
Use 'presto' to add drama or showiness, often with a touch of humor.
She spun around and, presto, revealed her new outfit.
Pro Tip 1/3Magic Expression
Often used by magicians to highlight a magical transformation or sudden occurrence.
He said 'presto', and the silk scarf vanished!
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Occasions
Best used in informal settings, as it can sound playful or lighthearted.
I pressed the button and, presto, the garage door opened.
Pro Tip 3/3Dramatic Effect
Use 'presto' to add drama or showiness, often with a touch of humor.
She spun around and, presto, revealed her new outfit.
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Video examples
The hilarious art of...
and threw a bucket of water at it. Presto! Then when we went to press, the printer put a spot gloss on the ink and it really looked like it was running. Not long after it came out, Augusten was waylaid in an airport and he was hiding out in the bookstore
Video examples
Secrets of Toothpaste PIPE...
teaspoons of glycerine mix them all together with a dash of water and finally add one teaspoon of peppermint and hey presto do-it-yourself toothpaste for a proper test of its effectiveness
Video examples
The hilarious art of...
and threw a bucket of water at it. Presto! Then when we went to press, the printer put a spot gloss on the ink and it really looked like it was running. Not long after it came out, Augusten was waylaid in an airport and he was hiding out in the bookstore
Video examples
Secrets of Toothpaste PIPE...
teaspoons of glycerine mix them all together with a dash of water and finally add one teaspoon of peppermint and hey presto do-it-yourself toothpaste for a proper test of its effectiveness
Example 1 of 2
Quote examples
Howard Jacobson
British Novelist
There's a simple arithmetical logic at work. Build more unaffordable and not always architecturally sympathetic apartments, watch the rents rise, the tarts leave, the small shops, production offices and design studios close down, and hey presto, we have another fashionable London suburb indistinguishable from the rest.
Quote examples
Tom Hodgkinson
British Writer
Management gurus in general are, I think, best avoided. All too often they reduce your working life to a list of rules to be followed. Targets are aimed at. Goals kicked at. You then break the rules or forget them and, hey presto, you start beating yourself up.
Quote examples
Jay Kristoff
Australian Author
There are plenty of genre-crossover books, films, and games out there, but to do the job well, you have to do more than just smoosh a couple of 'in' concepts together, and hey presto, instant millions.
Quote examples
Jenna Morasca
American Model
Sand is one of the best exfoliates out there! Take a handful of sand and rub it on your skin in small circles. When you're done, wash it off and presto... you get spa like skin, without the price tag.
Quote examples
Ella Woodward
English Writer
It's about making small changes at first and adding foods to your diet before you take any away; start with one extra vegetable or fruit at every meal, and hey, presto, that's 21 portions a week.
Quote examples
Craig Brown
English Critic
The first sign builders are on their way is when - hey, presto! - a skip appears outside your house.
Quote examples
Howard Jacobson
British Novelist
There's a simple arithmetical logic at work. Build more unaffordable and not always architecturally sympathetic apartments, watch the rents rise, the tarts leave, the small shops, production offices and design studios close down, and hey presto, we have another fashionable London suburb indistinguishable from the rest.
Quote examples
Tom Hodgkinson
British Writer
Management gurus in general are, I think, best avoided. All too often they reduce your working life to a list of rules to be followed. Targets are aimed at. Goals kicked at. You then break the rules or forget them and, hey presto, you start beating yourself up.
Quote examples
Jay Kristoff
Australian Author
There are plenty of genre-crossover books, films, and games out there, but to do the job well, you have to do more than just smoosh a couple of 'in' concepts together, and hey presto, instant millions.
Quote examples
Jenna Morasca
American Model
Sand is one of the best exfoliates out there! Take a handful of sand and rub it on your skin in small circles. When you're done, wash it off and presto... you get spa like skin, without the price tag.
Quote examples
Ella Woodward
English Writer
It's about making small changes at first and adding foods to your diet before you take any away; start with one extra vegetable or fruit at every meal, and hey, presto, that's 21 portions a week.
Quote examples
Craig Brown
English Critic
The first sign builders are on their way is when - hey, presto! - a skip appears outside your house.
Example 1 of 6
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