come thick and fast: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘come thick and fast’ mean?
The idiom "come thick and fast" means that something is happening or being presented rapidly and in large numbers.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "with a quickness" means to do something quickly or promptly.
The idiom "in a flash" means doing something very quickly or almost instantly.
The idiom "easy come, easy go" means that something acquired quickly or easily is just as easily lost or taken away.
The idiom "easy come, easy go" is an English expression that has been around for centuries. It conveys the idea that things acquired easily are just as easily lost or wasted. It originated in the 16th century and is still commonly used today.
The idiom "come to mind" means to suddenly think of something or someone, usually when prompted by a particular word, situation or memory.
The idiom "come to mention it" is used when someone suddenly remembers or brings up a particular topic or point during a conversation.
The idiom "come to life" means to suddenly become active or animated, often referring to an inanimate object or a previously dull situation. It signifies a lively transformation or a sudden burst of energy, making something more vibrant and engaging.
The idiom "come through" means to successfully complete or accomplish something, especially when facing difficulties or obstacles.
“Come through” is a commonly used idiom in modern American English. Its exact origin is uncertain, but it is believed to have emerged in the late 19th or early 20th century. It is primarily used as a phrasal verb, and its meaning varies depending on the context.
The idiom "come right" means to arrive or appear suddenly or unexpectedly. It is often used to describe someone or something appearing at the perfect moment or in a timely manner.
The idiom "come out of the woodwork" means to suddenly appear or emerge, especially in large numbers or from unexpected places. It is often used to describe people or things that suddenly become visible, noticeable or active.
Unstoppable Onslaught
The idiom "come thick and fast" is a well-known phrase that describes the rapid and continuous occurrence of something. It originated in the early 19th century in England and has since become widely recognized in the English-speaking world. The phrase utilizes a simile, likening the rapid and dense arrival of something to the visual image of thickness. When something comes thick and fast, it arrives in great quantities and at a fast pace.
The idiom can be used in various contexts to convey the idea of a rapid and overwhelming stream of events or information. It is often employed to describe situations where it becomes challenging to keep up with the influx or where things are happening at a frenetic pace. For example, one might say that the emails were coming thick and fast, indicating a high volume of incoming messages that were difficult to handle promptly.
This phrase can be found in both formal and informal language, appearing in news articles, books, movies, and everyday conversations. Its popularity lies in its ability to concisely express an overwhelming or constant flow, making it highly adaptable and applicable in numerous scenarios.
However, it's important to note that this idiom relies on the listener or reader's familiarity with its figurative meaning. If the phrase is used in a context where its meaning is not clear, it may lead to confusion or misinterpretation. It is vital to understand the context in which it is being used to fully grasp its intended significance.
The idiom "come thick and fast" is related to several other idioms that express similar ideas. One such idiom is "with a quickness," which conveys the notion of something happening swiftly and without delay. When events come thick and fast, they often happen with a quickness, indicating the speed at which they occur. It emphasizes that things are happening rapidly and without pause.
Another related idiom is "in a flash," which denotes the idea of something happening instantly or in an extremely short amount of time. When events come thick and fast, they can be said to happen in a flash, emphasizing their speed and the lack of time between occurrences. This idiom highlights the immediacy and rapidity of the events or information being described.
Additionally, the idiom "all at once" is related to "come thick and fast." It suggests that events or information are happening simultaneously or simultaneously and rapidly. When events come thick and fast, they can be said to occur all at once, indicating the overwhelming and rapid nature of their arrival. This idiom emphasizes the synchronized and simultaneous nature of the occurrences.
Lastly, the idiom "easy come, easy go" relates to the idea of things happening rapidly and with little effort. When events or information come thick and fast, they can be said to come easy, indicating their effortless and rapid arrival. This idiom underscores the transient and fleeting nature of the occurrences, suggesting that they can disappear as quickly as they arrived.
The idiom "come thick and fast" is a versatile phrase that effectively communicates the concept of a rapid and continuous occurrence of something. With its vivid imagery and adaptability, it has become an integral part of everyday conversation. Its connections to other idioms like "with a quickness," "in a flash," "all at once," and "easy come, easy go" further enhance its expressive power and utility. Understanding the figurative meanings and nuances behind these idioms allows us to fully appreciate their impact and the rich history they bring to the English language.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom come thick and fast can be used in a sentence:
- During the storm, the raindrops came thick and fast, making it difficult to see.
- As the team gained momentum, the goals started to come thick and fast.
- When the company announced job cuts, the complaints from employees came thick and fast.
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