make quick work of: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘make quick work of’ mean?
The idiom "make quick work of" means to complete or finish something quickly and efficiently.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "with a quickness" means to do something quickly or promptly.
The idiom "on the fly" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It means doing something quickly or spontaneously without preparation or planning. The origin of the idiom is uncertain, but there are several theories about its roots.
The idiom "no time" is used to express a lack of available time or the urgency of completing a task or action quickly.
The idiom "no time" is a commonly used phrase that conveys the concept of having a lack of time or being unable to engage in a particular activity. It captures the essence of time scarcity and the inability to allocate sufficient time to a specific task.
The idiom "make something of oneself" means to achieve success or become accomplished in a particular field, often through hard work and determination.
The idiom "make short work of" means to complete a task quickly or easily, often implying efficiency or skill in doing so.
The idiom "make shit of" means to completely ruin or destroy something, often through careless or reckless actions.
The idiom "make one's way" means to move or progress towards a destination or goal through effort and determination. It implies taking initiative and navigating obstacles to achieve a desired outcome.
The idiom "make light work of" means to complete a task easily or quickly without much effort or difficulty. It implies that the task was not challenging and required minimal time or energy to accomplish.
The idiom "make it snappy" means to do something quickly or promptly. It is often used as a polite but firm request for someone to hurry up or move faster. The word "snappy" suggests doing something with speed and efficiency.
The idiom "make it snappy" means to hurry up or do something quickly. It is often used in a lighthearted or playful way, making it popular in casual conversations and informal settings.
Effortless Mastery
Idioms are fascinating expressions that provide insights into the culture and history of a society. One such idiom, "make quick work of," has its origins in American English. It is commonly used to describe completing tasks or overcoming obstacles with great speed and efficiency.
The exact origins of "make quick work of" are uncertain, although it is believed to have emerged in the early 18th century. The idiom has since become entrenched in everyday language, finding its way into various contexts and situations. Its versatility contributes to its enduring popularity.
When using "make quick work of," it is important to consider the tone and context. While it conveys efficiency and proficiency, it may also imply a disregard for the difficulty of the task at hand. It celebrates one's ability to conquer challenges easily, which may not always be well-received in certain situations.
Figuratively, "make quick work of" goes beyond literal tasks. It can be applied to problem-solving, decision-making, or defeating opponents. The idiom suggests speed and effectiveness, highlighting the ability to accomplish a goal with minimal effort or struggle.
Another related idiom is "make short work of." Like "make quick work of," it describes the ability to complete tasks or overcome obstacles quickly and efficiently. The use of "short" emphasizes the brevity and ease with which the task is accomplished.
Similarly, "make light work of" is another related idiom that conveys the idea of completing tasks with ease and speed. The use of "light" suggests that the effort required is minimal, further emphasizing the efficiency of the person or team involved.
A more dramatic expression that can be used synonymously with "make quick work of" is "in one fell swoop." This phrase, which originated from Shakespeare's Macbeth, describes completing multiple tasks or challenges in a single, decisive action. It implies a swift and comprehensive solution to a complex situation.
The enduring popularity of idioms like "make quick work of" reflects the evolution of language and its ability to capture the complexities of human thought and action. These idioms serve as reminders of the ever-changing nature of communication and the cultural nuances they embody.
Idioms like "make quick work of" offer a glimpse into the linguistic creativity and cultural significance that language holds. They provide a nuanced way to express ideas and concepts, connecting people through shared understanding and interpretation.
"make quick work of" is an idiom rooted in American English that describes completing tasks or overcoming obstacles with speed and efficiency. Its figurative nature highlights both the ability to accomplish goals effortlessly and the potential negative connotations associated with it. Related idioms like "make short work of," "make light work of," and "in one fell swoop" offer alternative ways to convey similar concepts. These idioms remind us of the ever-evolving nature of language and its ability to capture the complexities of human thought and action.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "make quick work of" can be used in a sentence:
- She made quick work of her opponent, defeating him in just a few minutes.
- The experienced chef made quick work of chopping the vegetables.
- With his exceptional speed, the sprinter made quick work of the race, leaving his competitors far behind.
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