PhrasesHub

Go like the clappers

    Definitions

      • Quickly or rapidly
        To do something with great speed or urgency, often in a frantic or energetic manner

      • Make a lot of noise
        To move or work with a lot of noise or commotion, often in a chaotic or disorderly way

    Examples of Go like the clappers

    • The engine of the car went like the clappers as soon as the key was turned.

      This idiom is used to describe something that starts moving very quickly or with great force. "Like the clappers" means very rapidly or loudly, as if the engine were clapping or making a loud noise. It can be applied to anything that moves quickly or works efficiently, such as a machine, a train, or a person who is very enthusiastic about something. In the example provided, the engine is starting up quickly and with great force, similar to the sound of clapping.

    • The sales figures for the company went like the clappers after the new advertising campaign was launched.

      This idiom is used to describe a sudden and rapid increase in something, such as sales or profits. "Like the clappers" means very rapidly or forcefully, as if an object were clapping. It can be applied to anything that experiences an increase, such as revenue, stock prices, or customer satisfaction. In the example provided, the sales figures for the company are increasing rapidly and forcefully, similar to the sound of clapping, after the launch of the new advertising campaign.

    • The construction of the new building went like the clappers thanks to the hard work and dedication of the builders.

      This idiom is used to describe something that is being completed quickly and efficiently due to the efforts of others. "Like the clappers" means very rapidly or forcefully, as if an object were clapping. It can be applied to anything that is being completed with great speed and effort, such as a construction project, a research study, or a team effort. In the example provided, the construction of the new building is being completed quickly and forcefully thanks to the hard work and dedication of the builders.

    • The fireworks went like the clappers at the end of the spectacular show.

      This idiom is used to describe something that is being completed quickly and efficiently due to the efforts of others. "Like the clappers" means very rapidly or forcefully, as if an object were clapping. It can be applied to anything that is being completed with great speed and effort, such as a construction project, a research study, or a team effort. In the example provided, the fireworks are being launched quickly and forcefully at the end of the spectacular show, ending the show with great speed and effort, similar to the sound of clapping.

    • The engine of the race car went like the clappers as the driver revved it up for the start of the Grand Prix.

      In this example, the idiom "go like the clappers" is used to describe the speed at which the engine revs up. The phrase "like the clappers" means very quickly or extremely fast, so in this context it means that the engine is starting rapidly and loudly.

    • The computer's processor went like the clappers when I opened several applications at once, but it didn't slow down or crash.

      The second example shows another way that the idiom can be used. Here, it's referring to the speed at which the computer's processor operates when it's processing multiple tasks at once. This example highlights the fact that the computer's performance wasn't negatively affected by the speed at which it was operating.

    • When the firecrackers started going off, the children's faces lit up and they started dancing around, screaming and laughing as loud as they could go like the clappers.

      In this example, the idiom is used to describe the excitement and energy of children during a fireworks display. Again, "go like the clappers" is used to convey a sense of rapidity and intensity, as the children are moving and making noise as quickly and loudly as possible.

    • The guitar solo in the middle of the rock concert was electrifying, with the guitarist shredding away like the clappers.

      The final example shows the versatility of the idiom, as it can be used in a variety of contexts to convey different meanings. In this instance, it's being used to illustrate the speed and intensity of a guitar solo, which involves the guitarist playing rapidly and loudly in order to create an electrifying sound.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "go like the clappers" can be used in two main ways. The first is to describe something being done quickly or rapidly, often with great energy or urgency. This can be used in a positive sense, to praise someone for their speed and efficiency, or in a negative sense, to express annoyance or frustration at having to do something quickly. The second meaning is to describe something being done with a lot of noise or commotion, often in a chaotic or disorderly manner. This can be used to describe a situation or event, or even a person who is moving or working with a lot of noise and activity.

    Origin of "Go like the clappers"

    The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in British English in the mid-20th century. The word "clappers" refers to the clapper of a bell, which is the part that makes it ring. Therefore, the phrase "go like the clappers" may have been used to describe the sound of a bell ringing loudly and quickly. It is also possible that the word "clappers" was used as a slang term for hands, which would make the phrase a reference to someone moving their hands rapidly.

    Another theory is that the phrase originated in the world of horse racing. The "clappers" could refer to the sound of horses' hooves hitting the ground, and the phrase may have been used to describe horses that were running at a fast pace. This could have then been adapted into everyday language to describe any activity or event moving quickly.

    Overall, the idiom "go like the clappers" is a vivid and energetic way to describe something happening quickly or with a lot of noise. Its origins may be uncertain, but it has become a popular and versatile phrase in the English language.