Definition

Noun phrase: - An extremely brief period of time; an instant: The phrase "blink of an eye" refers to a very short duration, often used to describe something that happens so quickly it is almost imperceptible, comparable to the time it takes for a human eye to blink.

Usage Examples

• Noun phrase:
  • The magician made the coin disappear in the blink of an eye.
  • The accident was over in the blink of an eye, but the damage was done.
  • Technological advancements can make a device obsolete in the blink of an eye.

Advanced Usage

• "in the blink of an eye": This is the most common construction, used as an adverbial phrase to modify a verb and emphasize the speed of an action or event.
  • Her whole life changed in the blink of an eye.
• "faster than the blink of an eye": A comparative form used for extra emphasis on speed.
  • The cheetah was gone, faster than the blink of an eye.

Variants and Related Words

• In a flash (idiom): Having the same meaning of something happening very quickly.
  • I'll be back in a flash.
• In a heartbeat (idiom): Instantly and without hesitation.
  • I'd help you again in a heartbeat.
• Split second (noun): An infinitesimally short period of time.
  • He made the decision in a split second.

Synonyms

• Instant: A precise point in time.
• Moment: A very brief period of time.
• Second: A short, indefinite amount of time (informal).
• Jiffy: A very short time (informal).

Related Idioms

• In the twinkling of an eye: An idiom with identical meaning, derived from older English.
  • The years passed in the twinkling of an eye.
• Before you can say "Jack Robinson": An idiom meaning with extreme speed.
  • He was out the door before you could say "Jack Robinson".

Noun

1. a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)
   • if I had the chance I'd do it in a flash