The idiom one fell swoop is used to describe a hit or strike done violently and quickly when used in a literal sense. When applied figuratively, it highlights a sudden and swift action that has been taken.

The swoop (or stoop as is sometimes now said) is the rapid descent made by the bird when capturing prey. Shakespeare used the imagery of a hunting bird’s ‘fell swoop’ to indicate the ruthless and …

Aug 13, 2025 · The meaning of IN/AT ONE FELL SWOOP is with a single, quick action or effort. How to use in/at one fell swoop in a sentence.

Jun 21, 2025 · “In one fell swoop” began as a vivid metaphor in Macbeth, describing the sudden, ruthless destruction of Macduff’s family. While the meaning of fell as “ruthless” has faded, the phrase …

Aug 28, 2025 · The phrase “one fell swoop” captures the power of sudden, sweeping change in just three words. Its origin in Shakespeare’s Macbeth gives it a dramatic and somewhat dark edge, …

Immediately (Definition of at/in one fell swoop from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

In one fell swoop, discover the meaning and origin of the phrase and how to use it correctly, as well as its relevance in literature and everyday life.

When the economy crashed, thousands lost their jobs, their homes, and their pensions in one fell swoop. With one fell swoop, the military junta arrested the prime minister, executed its enemies in …

Jan 18, 2026 · Noun one fell swoop (idiomatic) One stroke; one action or event that achieves or accomplishes many results. Changing the oil lubricates the engine and removes debris in one fell …

If something is done in one fell swoop, it is done on a single occasion or by a single action. In one fell swoop the bank wiped away the tentative benefits of this policy.