Fast or Slowly: English Vocabulary List

to repeatedly check what time it is because time seems to pass slowly and one is bored or tired

"I hate watching the clock at work."

"The bored employee spent the whole afternoon watching the clock waiting for five o'clock to arrive."

used to convey the idea that time passes quickly or seems to move swiftly

"Time flies when you are having fun!"

"The project consumed six months without warning — time flies when you are fully absorbed in meaningful work."

with no hesitation

"She'll help at the drop of a hat."

"The volunteer team was ready to assist with the disaster relief efforts at the drop of a hat."

within a very short time

"She finished her homework in a trice."

"The magician made the rabbit disappear in a trice and everyone gasped in amazement."

soon or in a quick manner

"I will be ready in two shakes."

"I will be with you in two shakes as soon as I finish sending this important email."

used to describe something, typically an action or change, that is done without any difficulty or hesitation

"This sports car can stop on a dime."

"The skilled driver could maneuver the large truck through the tight corners on a dime."

used to mean something happens or is done immediately

"He was fast right out of the gate."

"The new product was incredibly successful right out of the gate, selling millions of units in just the first week."

accomplishing or achieving something in one decisive action or with a single effort

"He solved everything at a single stroke."

"The new manager solved three problems at a single stroke by hiring a more efficient team."

used to suggest that right now is the only time a person has a chance for taking an opportunity or else they lose it forever

"It is now or never, so decide quickly."

"This is your last chance to apply for the scholarship so it is now or never."

used to mean that by passing time it will be proved if something is true, valid, or effective

"It is a new school — time will tell."

"The reform looks promising on paper, but time will tell whether it delivers meaningful results in practice."

in a manner that is sudden, unexpected, and not gradual

"He quit smoking cold turkey last week."

"My uncle quit smoking cold turkey after twenty years and he has not touched a cigarette since."

very quickly or suddenly

"It was over in the blink of an eye."

"The car accident happened in the blink of an eye and changed our lives forever."

in an instant and with no delay

"He started right away."

"She knew the answer off the bat, surprising everyone in class."

a long day that is unproductive and boring

"It was a slow day at the shop."

"It was a slow day at the shop and the owner served only three customers all morning."

used to refer to a process that occurs slowly or step by step over time, rather than happening suddenly or all at once

"By degrees, the weather improved."

"The old man lost his eyesight by degrees over several years until he was completely blind."

so suddenly or quickly that leaves one with no time to react or notice anything

"He left before I could say Jack Robinson."

"The thief grabbed the purse and ran away before I could say Jack Robinson."

in a way that is instant and has no delay

"He paid me on the spot."

"The interviewer asked me a difficult question and I had to answer it on the spot without thinking."