WebFeb 24, 2009 · Others in the chart include "one fell swoop" which was originally uttered by MacDuff in Shakespeare's Macbeth but which is often mistakenly repeated as "one foul swoop". Webin one foul swoop in one foul swoop (English)Origin & history Variant of in one fell swoop, with the more common word foul substituted for the less common synonym fell. Prepositional phrase in one foul swoop (idiomatic, proscribed) (Achieved or completed) with a single action; in a single stroke.The Celestial Window: "All their suspicions had …
FOUL English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
WebMar 6, 2024 · He says, “fell swoop.” Fell can mean something evil. It has the same source as a felon, a wicked person. Therefore, “one fell swoop” meant a sudden, terrible attack. … Webfoul definition: 1. extremely unpleasant: 2. Foul speech or other language is offensive, rude, or shocking: 3…. Learn more. sonicstorage.blob.core.windows.net
5 common English phrases you may be using incorrectly
WebMar 8, 2024 · The “swoop” in the term typically refers to a strike, blow, or stroke or, in the metaphorical sense of a bird’s sweeping descent from heights. The “fell” in the phrase … WebDefine swoop. swoop synonyms, swoop pronunciation, swoop translation, English dictionary definition of swoop. v. swooped , swoop·ing , swoops v. intr. 1. To move in a sudden sweep: The bird swooped down on its prey. 2. To make a … WebMar 19, 2024 · Definition of in/at one fell swoop : with a single, quick action or effort The court has dismissed all of the charges against him in one fell swoop. Why is it called in one fell swoop? All at once, in a single action, as in This law has lifted all the controls on cable TV in one fell swoop. small ions