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in one fell swoop
01
in a single action, without delay or hesitation
Idiom
Informal
What is the origin of the idiom "in one fell swoop" and when to use it?
The idiom "in one fell swoop" originated from William Shakespeare's play Macbeth, specifically in Act 4, Scene 3. Macduff used the term to express the sudden and devastating loss of his family. Over time, the expression gained popularity and is now commonly used to emphasize efficiency, speed, and completeness. This expression is employed in both formal and informal settings, such as in discussions about business strategies, political decisions, project management, or personal achievements.
Example
They are currently implementing a plan to address multiple issues in their organization at one fell swoop.
The company's restructuring plan aims to cut costs and streamline operations at one fell swoop.
They completed the renovation of their house, repainted the walls, and replaced the flooring in one fell swoop.
In one fell swoop, they revolutionized the industry by introducing a groundbreaking technology.
With his groundbreaking discovery, the scientist revolutionized the field of medicine at one fell swoop.
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