Definition

Noun: A very brief, almost instantaneous period of time; an extremely short moment. The term humorously exaggerates the fast-paced nature of life in New York City, suggesting things happen there much faster than elsewhere.

Usage

The term "New York minute" is used informally to emphasize how quickly something happens or could happen. It is often used in the phrase "in a New York minute."

Examples

• I liked the car so much, I would have bought it in a New York minute.
• She finished that report in a New York minute.
• If they offered me that job, I'd say yes in a New York minute.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase can be used to describe a rapid decision or reaction:
• It can characterize the speed of an event or process:

Variants and Related Words

• New York second: An even more exaggerated, humorous variant implying an impossibly short time.
• Minute (noun): A standard unit of time equal to 60 seconds. The core word from which the idiom is derived.

Synonyms

• Flash
• Instant
• Heartbeat
• Blink of an eye
• Split second
• Jiffy (informal)

Related Idioms

• In the blink of an eye: Happening extremely quickly.
• In a flash: Happening instantly or very rapidly.
• Before you can say [something]: Happening in a very short time.

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