hustle and bustle

Definitions

• busy activity
  Describing the noisy, busy activity of a place or situation

• energetic activity
  Referring to the lively and energetic activity in a particular setting

Examples of hustle and bustle

• The city is a constant hustle and bustle of people, cars, and buildings.

  This example demonstrates the use of "hustle and bustle" as a noun phrase, describing the chaotic and busy nature of a city environment. It highlights the constant movement and activity of people, vehicles, and structures in an urban setting.

• During the school rush hour, the hallways were a flurry of hustle and bustle as students rushed to their classrooms, backpacks swinging wildly behind them.

  In this example, "hustle and bustle" is used as a descriptive adjective, emphasizing the hectic and chaotic atmosphere of a busy school environment.

• The store was packed with people during the sales season, making it a hustle and bustle hub of shoppers winding their way through crowded aisles.

  This example illustrates the use of "hustle and bustle" as a metaphorical "hub," denoting a location that is bustling and crowded with numerous activities occurring simultaneously.

• From the window, I could see the hustle and bustle of the city below, a kaleidoscope of lights and colors moving at breakneck speed.

  This example epitomizes the imaginative use of "hustle and bustle" as a simile, comparing the activity of the city to the movement and color of a kaleidoscope. It creates a vivid image in the reader's mind, highlighting the fast-paced and ever-changing nature of urban life.

• The city center was filled with hustle and bustle as people rushed by on their way to work or appointments.

  This example shows how the idiom "hustle and bustle" is used to describe the busy and hectic atmosphere of a place, especially in cities.

• The market square was a hub of hustle and bustle as vendors vied for the attention of potential customers.

  In this example, the idiom is used to convey the bustling and competitive environment of a commercial space.

• Amidst the hustle and bustle of the construction site, the workers struggled to keep pace with the tight deadlines.

  This example illustrates how the idiom "hustle and bustle" is used to depict the frenetic and rushed nature of a particular setting, like a construction site.

• The airport terminal was awash with hustle and bustle as planes landed and departed, passengers hurried to their gates, and luggage was loaded and unloaded.

  In this example, the idiom is employed to describe the bustling and chaotic environment of an airport terminal, where a lot of activity is happening simultaneously.

Conclusion

The idiom "hustle and bustle" is commonly used to convey the idea of a place or situation being filled with busy and energetic activity. It can be used to describe a crowded city street with people rushing around, or a bustling market with vendors selling their goods. The intention is to emphasize the lively and bustling nature of the environment.

Origin of "hustle and bustle"

The origin of the idiom "hustle and bustle" can be traced back to the 17th century. The word "hustle" originally meant "to push roughly" or "to jostle," while "bustle" referred to busy and energetic activity. Over time, the two words were combined to create the idiom "hustle and bustle," which became a popular way to describe the energetic and busy nature of a place or situation. The idiom has since become a commonly used phrase in the English language, capturing the essence of a lively and bustling environment. Examples of the idiom can be found in literature and everyday conversation, showcasing its enduring popularity and relevance.