Zoeken
nineteen to the dozen
01
in a rapid and nonstop way
What is the origin of the idiom "to the dozen" and when to use it?
The idiom "to the dozen" means at a rate or in a quantity of twelve. The number twelve has historically been used as a standard measure in various contexts, such as dozens of eggs or dozens of items. When "nineteen" or "ten" is added before it, it emphasizes a quantity far exceeding the standard dozen, suggesting an exceptionally high or rapid rate or quantity. This expression is used to describe a situation where something is happening at a very rapid or high rate, often implying that it is difficult to keep up with or control.
Voorbeeld
The children were running around and playing nineteen to the dozen in the park.
During the holiday shopping season, customers were buying gifts ten to the dozen.
The factory workers were producing widgets nineteen to the dozen to meet the demand.
In the heat of the argument, they were shouting insults ten to the dozen.
