as soon as: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘as soon as’ mean?
The idiom "as soon as" is used to indicate that something will happen immediately after another action or event. It is often used to express urgency or the need for prompt action.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "upon the instant" means immediately or without delay.
The idiom "just like that" means to do something in a sudden, effortless or simple manner, without any difficulty or hesitation.
The idiom "it's about time" is used to express that something should have happened sooner or that someone is overdue for a certain action or event.
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 offing" means something is likely to happen or is about to occur, especially in the near future.
The idiom "in the offing" is a commonly used expression in the English language. Native speakers understand its specific meaning, which is expected or likely to happen in the near future.
In the nick of time is an English idiom that describes an action or event that happens just in time to prevent something negative from occurring. It emphasizes the narrow margin or last-minute nature of the occurrence.
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.
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.
Unlocking 'Now or Never'
The idiom "as soon as" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It combines the adverb "soon" with the preposition "as" to convey immediacy or promptness. This idiom has been in use for several centuries, with its origin dating back to Old English.
One of the distinctive features of "as soon as" is its flexibility and ability to function as a conjunction, introducing a subordinate clause. It is often used to indicate that an action or event will take place immediately after another action or event. For example, in the sentence "I will call you as soon as I finish work," the phrase establishes the condition that the phone call will happen immediately after work is finished.
Furthermore, "as soon as" is frequently employed to express anticipation or expectation. It suggests a keenness or eagerness for something to happen promptly. Consider the sentence "I can't wait to leave as soon as the meeting ends." Here, the speaker conveys their desire to depart promptly once the meeting has concluded.
In addition to its usage in spoken and written language, "as soon as" is also commonly used in online communication, such as emails and instant messaging, to convey a sense of urgency or immediate action. In this context, it often substitutes for the conjunctions "when" or "once," indicating that something will occur without delay.
upon the instant is another idiom that is related to "as soon as." It has a similar meaning of immediate action or promptness. Instead of using the word "as," "upon" is used to convey the idea of something happening without delay. For example, "I will contact you upon the instant I receive the information."
Another related idiom is "any time soon." This phrase is often used to indicate that something is not going to happen in the near future. It suggests that the event or action will not occur promptly or without delay. For example, "Don't expect a response from him any time soon."
The idiom "as soon as" holds a significant place in the English language and serves as a versatile expression. Its primary function is to convey immediacy, promptness, and expectation. Whether used in everyday conversation, formal writing, or digital communication, this idiom remains a reliable tool for expressing the notion of an action or event occurring without delay. While its precise etymology may remain uncertain, the significance and prevalent use of "as soon as" make it a valuable component of the English language, allowing for efficient and concise communication.
Example usage
- I will call you as soon as I arrive home.
- Please finish your homework as soon as possible.
- As soon as the rain stops, we can go for a walk.
More "Conjunction" idioms
