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Definition

Very quickly; without delay.

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In Context

  • "by George! we would souse the Lords o' the Admiralty themselves, if they were here, in a couple of shakes"
  • "She tried to get the case open. . . . "I wish Father was here," said Phyllis; "he'd get it open in two shakes.""
  • "I'll have coffee ready in two shakes of a cow's tail."
  • "I'll be back in two shakes of a dog's tail."
  • "In two shakes of a duck's tail Gussie, with all that lapping about inside him, will be distributing the prizes at Market Snodsbury Grammar School."
  • "Skilled sheep shearers can get the wool off a ewe in two shakes of a lamb's tail."
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Also Said As

  • in a brace of shakes
  • in a couple of shakes
  • in a few shakes
  • in two shakes of a cow's tail
  • in two shakes of a dog's tail
  • in two shakes of a duck's tail
  • in two shakes of a lamb's tail
  • in two shakes of a rabbit's ass
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Related Idioms

s

shoot off

To do (something, usually a written or verbal communication) quickly, …

 f

fly by

To pass or go past quickly, often without much interaction

 b

bundle off

To send someone away quickly and without fussing.

 w

wolf down

To consume (food) quickly or greedily, without regard for table manner…

 r

rush in

To act quickly and without due thought

 w

with no further ado

Without any other formalities; with no further delay.
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