Search
in no time at all
01
used when something is done very soon or very fast
What is the origin of the idiom "in no time" and when to use it?
The idiom "in no time" began use in the early 20th century. At that time, factories were becoming more automated with machines and even though nothing can truly happen in exactly zero time, saying "in no time" was an exaggerated way to show how fast workflows were expected to be. Today, this expression is commonly used informally to describe tasks, activities or situations that are completed remarkably fast.
Example
The kids devoured their snacks and finished their homework in no time at all after school.
The experienced mechanic readily identified the issue with the car engine and fixed it in no time.
With the right tools, he can knock out home repairs in no time.
The scandalous story about the mayor's secret affair got about the entire town in no time.
We packed up the car and left for home in no time flat after the party ended.
Nearby Words