PhrasesHub

In a trice

    Definitions

      • quickly
        To describe something that happens very fast or in a short amount of time

      • suddenly
        To describe something happening unexpectedly or without warning

    Examples of In a trice

    • The thief snatched the diamond necklace and disappeared in a trice.

      This example shows how quickly the thief was able to complete his action of stealing the necklace. The time taken for him to complete this action was almost instantaneous. The phrase "in a trice" highlights the speed at which the thief acted.

    • She changed her outfit to something more comfortable in a trice.

      This example shows how quickly someone can change their clothes. The phrase "in a trice" is used to indicate that the action of changing clothes was completed very quickly.

    • The elevator doors opened and she stepped out in a trice.

      This example shows how quickly someone can move from one place to another. The phrase "in a trice" highlights the speed at which the person in question moved from inside the elevator to outside it.

    • The trainer called out the athlete's name, and he sprinted to the starting line in a trice.

      This example shows how quickly an athlete can respond to a call from their trainer and reach the starting line. The phrase "in a trice" highlights the speed at which the athlete was able to move from his place to the starting line. It indicates that this movement was completed in a very brief period of time.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "in a trice" is used to express the idea of something happening quickly or suddenly. It can be used to describe a fast action or a sudden event, emphasizing the speed or unexpected nature of the situation.

    Origin of "In a trice"

    The origin of the idiom "in a trice" can be traced back to Middle English, where "trice" referred to a very short period of time. The word itself has its roots in Old French and Latin, where it meant "a pull" or "to pull." Over time, it evolved to mean a brief moment or instant. The idiom has been used in English language for centuries to convey the idea of something happening swiftly or unexpectedly, and it continues to be a popular expression today.