in the blink of an eye
—| B2-C1 (upper-intermediate to advanced) |—
In North American English, this idiom typically means:
ADVERB: extremely quickly
EXAMPLES:
“MADD, an acronym for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, is an organization that raises awareness of the dangers of driving while impaired. Though it is great to have fun, it is important to be responsible. Your life, as well as others’, could change in the blink of an eye if you choose to get behind the wheel while high or inebriated. Choose the smart choice: always prepare a safe ride home.”
“The magician held a loonie between his index finger and thumb. With a gentle puff of air from his upturning lips, the coin disappeared in the blink of an eye.”
“The holidays always go by in the blink of an eye. One minute, it is the start of your vacation, and then before you know it you are back at work.”
What have you experienced in the blink of an eye? Let me know in the comments below.
ASSOCIATED WORDS:
Some synonyms of “in the blink of an eye” include:
ADVERB: instantly
ADVERB: instantaneously
ADVERB: suddenly
IDIOM, ADVERB: without a moment’s notice
IDIOM, ADVERB: in the wink of an eye
