in one fell swoop

in one fell swoop
with one sudden action, or on one single occasion

In one fell swoop he’s destroyed everything we’ve achieved in the last year.

Thesaurus: happening or done quickly, suddenly or immediatelysynonym happening only oncesynonym
Main entry: swoop

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in (or at) one fell swoop
all at one time

nothing can topple the government in one fell swoop

Origin:
from Shakespeare's Macbeth (iv. iii. 219)

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: with a single, quick action or effort

The court has dismissed all of the charges against him in one fell swoop.

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Main Entry:fell

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at/in one fell swoop idiom
all at the same time; in a single action, especially a sudden or violent one

If the new law is passed, it will remove press freedom in one fell swoop.

Main entry:fellidiom

Useful english dictionary. 2012.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • One Fell Swoop — Studio album by The Spill Canvas Released August 9, 2005 …   Wikipedia

  • one fell swoop — If something is done at one fell swoop, it is done in a single period of activity, usually swiftly and ruthlessly …   The small dictionary of idiomes

  • one fell swoop — see under swoop ● fell …   Useful english dictionary

  • one fell swoop —    If something is done at one fell swoop, it is done in a single period of activity, usually swiftly and ruthlessly.   (Dorking School Dictionary)    ***    If something is accomplished at (or in) one fell swoop, it is done in a single action,… …   English Idioms & idiomatic expressions

  • one fell swoop — noun One stroke; one action or event with many results. Changing the oil lubricates the engine and removes debris in one fell swoop …   Wiktionary

  • one fell swoop — See in one fell swoop …   English idioms

  • One fell swoop —   If something is done at one fell swoop, it is done in a single period of activity, usually swiftly and ruthlessly …   Dictionary of English idioms

  • one fell swoop —  All at once (Shakespeare).  ► “Acquisition also eliminates competition and delivers geographic penetration in one fell swoop.” (Success, Sept. 1995, p. 83) …   American business jargon

  • at one fell swoop — (Shakespeare, Macbeth IV.3.218) 1. By one terrible blow 2. (also in or with) by one complete decisive action 3. Suddenly • • • Main Entry: ↑swoop * * * in/at/ …   Useful english dictionary

  • at one fell swoop — See: IN ONE FELL SWOOP …   Dictionary of American idioms

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