PhrasesHub

Tout de suite

    Definitions

      • immediately
        to indicate that something needs to be done or will happen without delay

      • very soon
        to express that something will happen or be done in the near future

    Examples of Tout de suite

    • The doctor told me to come back for a follow-up appointment as soon as possible. He said, "We need to conduct some further tests, so please come back tout de suite."

      This is an example of using the idiom "tout de suite" in a sentence to communicate the idea of immediate action. It's used here to convey the sense of urgency and importance that the doctor wants to communicate to the patient. It's also used to give a clear timeline or deadline for the patient to return for the follow-up appointment.

    • The school principal called me after my daughter missed her math class without prior notice. She said, "Jane, I'm afraid we need to speak about your daughter's attendance. She missed her math class yesterday without letting us know. Please ensure that she comes back tout de suite for her next class, or we'll have to take further disciplinary action."

      In this example, the idiom is used in the context of school discipline to communicate the urgency and importance of the matter. It's used to convey the seriousness of the situation and the need for immediate action on the part of the student and her parents.

    • The police officer pulled me over for speeding and said, "Sir, I'm afraid I'm going to have to issue you a ticket for exceeding the speed limit. Please drive carefully and abide by the traffic rules from now on. In case you're caught again, there will be serious consequences, and you'll be summoned to the court tout de suite."

      In this example, the idiom is used in the context of law enforcement and legal proceedings to convey the seriousness of the offense and the need for immediate legal action. It implies that the legal system is quick to respond and enforce the law in cases of traffic violations.

    • The restaurant owner rushed to the kitchen as soon as he heard a loud banging sound. He exclaimed, "What on earth is going on in here? Please tell me there hasn't been a break-in or something! If there's been any theft or damage, you'll be liable for it tout de suite!"

      In this example, the idiom is used in the context of property management and security to convey the immediate need for action in case of any security breach. It's used to communicate the seriousness of the situation and the urgency of taking immediate action to avoid any legal or financial liabilities.

    • Marie demanda à l'assistant de l'aide tout de suite lorsque son ordinateur s'est bloqué.

      Marie immediate demanda pour de l'aide de l'assistant quand son ordinateur s'est bloqué.

    • Après le dîner, Sophie voulut se retirer tout de suite.

      Après le dîner, Sophie voulut immédiatement se retirer.

    • J'ai tout de suite compris que nous devions changer nos idées.

      J'ai immédiatement compris que nous devions changer nos idées.

    • Tout de suite, nous devons faire les choses qu'il voudrait que nous fassions.

      Immediatement, nous devons faire les choses que lui souhaite.


    Conclusion

    "Tout de suite" is a French idiom that has been adopted into English to convey the idea of immediacy or something happening very soon. It is often used in a directive manner to emphasize the urgency of a task or action. The idiom is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to convey a sense of promptness and urgency.

    Origin of "Tout de suite"

    The idiom "tout de suite" directly translates to "all at once" in English. It originated in the French language and has been in use for centuries. The phrase has been adopted into English and is widely used to convey the idea of immediate or imminent action. Its adoption into English reflects the influence of French language and culture on the English language. Examples of its usage can be found in literature, conversations, and various forms of media.