at one fell swoop

at 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.

* * *
See: 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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