all at once: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘all at once’ mean?
The idiom "all at once" means to happen suddenly, or to do something simultaneously or immediately. It implies a sudden and unexpected occurrence or action.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "just like that" means to do something in a sudden, effortless or simple manner, without any difficulty or hesitation.
The idiom "in the wink of an eye" means to happen very quickly or to be done in an instant.
The idiom "in the wink of an eye" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It describes a very short period of time, suggesting that something happens rapidly or instantaneously. The phrase is believed to have originated from the action of winking, which is the rapid closing and opening of one eye.
The idiom "in the twinkling of an eye" means something happens extremely quickly or instantaneously.
The idiom "in the twinkling of an eye" is a common phrase used to express the notion of something happening very quickly or suddenly. It is often used to describe an action or event that occurs so rapidly that it seems to happen almost instantaneously. The phrase has origins dating back to at least the 14th century and has persisted in the English language ever since.
The idiom "in the blink of an eye" means something happening extremely quickly or instantaneously.
The idiom "in the blink of an eye" is a widely recognized expression in the English language. It is often used to describe something that happens quickly or instantaneously, emphasizing the speed or brevity of an event or action. The origins of this idiom can be traced back to the physiology of blinking and its associations with quickness and reflexes.
The idiom "in one go" means doing something all at once or in a single attempt, without pausing or stopping. It suggests efficiency and not wasting time.
An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning. One such idiom is "in one go."
An idiom meaning to do something quickly and efficiently, often describing the completion of multiple tasks or actions in a single swift and decisive motion.
The idiom "in no time" means very quickly or without delay, suggesting that something will be completed or happen in a short period of time.
The idiom "in a flash" means doing something very quickly or almost instantly.
The idiom "come thick and fast" means that something is happening or being presented rapidly and in large numbers.
Synchronistic Interpretations
The idiom "all at once" is used in English to describe a sudden and unexpected event or action that occurs without warning or preparation. It can also refer to the simultaneous occurrence of multiple things or actions, creating a sense of overwhelm or being bombarded with stimuli. Furthermore, "all at once" can denote a rapid change in state or condition, indicating an abrupt and intense transformation in one's internal state. Additionally, it can be used to emphasize the comprehensive nature of something, highlighting the need to consider all aspects or elements simultaneously.
The idiom "all at once" shares similarities with other idioms such as "in one go," "at a moment's notice," "as soon as," and "just like that." Each of these idioms conveys a sense of immediacy or suddenness, emphasizing the quick or unexpected nature of an event or action.
"In one go" is often used to describe completing a task or achieving a goal in a single, uninterrupted effort. It suggests efficiency and effectiveness, as if everything is accomplished in a swift and seamless manner. Similarly, "all at once" conveys a similar idea of completing or experiencing something suddenly and completely.
"At a moment's notice" implies readiness and preparedness for any situation or request that may arise unexpectedly. It emphasizes the ability to respond quickly and without delay. This is akin to the sudden and unexpected nature of events described by the idiom "all at once."
"As soon as" expresses the immediacy or quickness with which something is done or happens. It conveys a sense of promptness and urgency. Similarly, "all at once" captures the essence of suddenness and immediacy in the occurrence of multiple things or actions.
"Just like that" is an idiom used to describe something happening instantaneously or without warning. It conveys a sense of surprise or astonishment at the abruptness of an event or action. This aligns with the unexpected and sudden nature of events described by the idiom "all at once."
The idiom "all at once" is a versatile phrase that can describe a range of situations, including sudden and unexpected events, simultaneous occurrences, rapid changes in state or condition, and comprehensive consideration. Its usage and understanding have become firmly established in the English language, lending it an air of familiarity and intrigue. By exploring its related idioms, such as "in one go," "at a moment's notice," "as soon as," and "just like that," we gain a deeper understanding of the nuances and richness of the English language.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "all at once" can be used in a sentence:
- Suddenly, all at once, the wind began to howl and the rain started pouring down.
- She realized that she couldn't handle everything all at once, so she decided to prioritize her tasks.
- The students cheered all at once when their favorite teacher announced they would have no homework over the weekend.
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