in one fell swoop

in one fell swoop
at one fell swoop & in one fell swoop
Fig. in a single incident; as a single event. (This phrase preserves the old word

fell,

meaning “terrible” or “deadly.”) •

The party guests ate up all the snacks at one fell swoop.

When the stock market crashed, many large fortunes were wiped out in one fell swoop.


Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • One Fell Swoop — Studio album by The Spill Canvas Released August 9, 2005 …   Wikipedia

  • one fell swoop — If something is done at one fell swoop, it is done in a single period of activity, usually swiftly and ruthlessly …   The small dictionary of idiomes

  • one fell swoop — see under swoop ● fell …   Useful english dictionary

  • one fell swoop —    If something is done at one fell swoop, it is done in a single period of activity, usually swiftly and ruthlessly.   (Dorking School Dictionary)    ***    If something is accomplished at (or in) one fell swoop, it is done in a single action,… …   English Idioms & idiomatic expressions

  • one fell swoop — noun One stroke; one action or event with many results. Changing the oil lubricates the engine and removes debris in one fell swoop …   Wiktionary

  • one fell swoop — See in one fell swoop …   English idioms

  • One fell swoop —   If something is done at one fell swoop, it is done in a single period of activity, usually swiftly and ruthlessly …   Dictionary of English idioms

  • one fell swoop —  All at once (Shakespeare).  ► “Acquisition also eliminates competition and delivers geographic penetration in one fell swoop.” (Success, Sept. 1995, p. 83) …   American business jargon

  • in one fell swoop — in/at/one fell swoop phrase with one sudden action, or on one single occasion In one fell swoop he’s destroyed everything we’ve achieved in the last year. Thesaurus: happening or done quickly, suddenly or immediatelysynonym happening only once …   Useful english dictionary

  • at one fell swoop — (Shakespeare, Macbeth IV.3.218) 1. By one terrible blow 2. (also in or with) by one complete decisive action 3. Suddenly • • • Main Entry: ↑swoop * * * in/at/ …   Useful english dictionary

  • at one fell swoop — See: IN ONE FELL SWOOP …   Dictionary of American idioms

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