PhrasesHub

By leaps and bounds

    Definitions

      • Rapid or sudden progress or improvement
        To describe a situation where there is a significant and noticeable improvement or growth in a short period of time, often in a dramatic or unexpected manner

      • Large or impressive physical movements
        To describe someone or something that is moving with great speed, force, or energy, often in a way that is impressive or exciting to watch

      • Significant and noticeable changes or developments
        To describe a situation where there are major changes or developments occurring, often in a way that is impressive or surprising

    Examples of By leaps and bounds

    • Alice's business has been growing by leaps and bounds ever since she implemented a new marketing strategy.

      This idiom is used to describe something that is progressing at a rapid and significant pace. It suggests that the growth is not just incremental, but rather large and noticeable, much like the way a leaping animal covers ground quickly and in big bounds.

    • Sarah's language skills have improved by leaps and bounds since she started taking classes.

      Here, the idiom is used to describe the speed and magnitude of Sarah's progress in learning a new language. It implies that her proficiency has advanced dramatically, much like the way a leaping animal covers ground quickly and in big bounds.

    • After losing their first few games, the team's performance has been improving by leaps and bounds.

      This idiom is used to describe the team's sudden and significant improvement in their performance. It suggests that the team's progress is not just incremental, but rather large and noticeable, much like the way a leaping animal covers ground quickly and in big bounds.

    • The stock market has been soaring by leaps and bounds lately.

      This idiom is used to describe the rapid and significant increase in the value of stocks. It suggests that the growth is not just incremental, but rather large and noticeable, much like the way a leaping animal covers ground quickly and in big bounds.

    • After years of struggling, the company's profits have been increasing by leaps and bounds.

      Here, the idiom is used to describe the significant and rapid growth in the company's profits. It implies that the company's progress is not just incremental, but rather large and noticeable, much like the way a leaping animal covers ground quickly and in big bounds.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "by leaps and bounds" is commonly used to describe rapid progress or improvement in various aspects of life. It can refer to personal growth, academic or professional success, or even physical changes. The phrase conveys a sense of excitement and awe at the speed and magnitude of the progress being made.

    In addition, "by leaps and bounds" can also be used to describe impressive physical movements, such as someone jumping or running with great speed and energy. This meaning often carries a sense of admiration or amazement at the physical abilities of the person or object being described.

    Overall, "by leaps and bounds" is a versatile idiom that can be used in various contexts to convey significant and noticeable changes or developments.

    Origin of "By leaps and bounds"

    The origin of the phrase "by leaps and bounds" can be traced back to the 16th century, where it was used in a literal sense to describe the physical act of jumping or leaping with great speed and force. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that the phrase started to be used figuratively to describe rapid progress or growth.

    The idiom is believed to have originated from the sport of long jump, where athletes make long, impressive jumps to cover a significant distance. This physical motion of "leaping" is likely the inspiration behind the figurative meaning of the phrase.

    Another theory suggests that the idiom may have originated from the traditional English folk dance called "leap and bound." This dance involves dancers jumping and hopping in a playful and energetic manner, which could have influenced the figurative use of the phrase to describe impressive physical movements.

    Regardless of its exact origin, "by leaps and bounds" has become a commonly used idiom in the English language, and its meaning and usage have evolved over time.