THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
In the blink of an eye
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Extremely quickly or in a very short time.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- The cat disappeared through the gate in the blink of an eye.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
The cat disappeared through the gate ________.
Show the answer
In the blink of an eye — Extremely quickly or in a very short time.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “In the blink of an eye” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
Extremely quickly or in a very short time.
Compare: The cat disappeared through the gate in the blink of an eye.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it conversationally or in descriptive writing for a rapid event or a period that seems to pass quickly.
More examples in context
- The tickets sold out in the blink of an eye.
- Our holiday seemed to end in the blink of an eye.
Usage note
Use an eye, not your eyes, in this fixed expression. It emphasises speed and is usually not meant as an exact measurement.
A short conversation
A: Were any seats left when you checked?
B: No, they sold out in the blink of an eye.
A: We will need to book earlier next time.
One more practice question
How did something happen if it happened in the blink of an eye?
A. Extremely quickly.
B. Very slowly over many years.
Check your answer
A. The idiom emphasises a very short time.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.