THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
By leaps and bounds
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Very quickly, especially when describing improvement or growth.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- Her confidence improved by leaps and bounds after she joined the discussion group.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
Her confidence improved ________ after she joined the discussion group.
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By leaps and bounds — Very quickly, especially when describing improvement or growth.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “By leaps and bounds” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
Very quickly, especially when describing improvement or growth.
Compare: Her confidence improved by leaps and bounds after she joined the discussion group.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use this expression to emphasise strong, rapid progress. It suits encouraging conversations about learning, skills or a growing activity.
More examples in context
- The reading club grew by leaps and bounds during its first term.
- With regular feedback, his editing skills developed by leaps and bounds.
Usage note
Keep leaps and bounds plural. By and in both occur in the phrase. It normally describes growth or improvement, not simply a person moving quickly across a room.
A short conversation
A: How is your conversation practice going?
B: My confidence is improving by leaps and bounds.
A: It sounds as if the regular sessions are helping.
One more practice question
Which change is happening by leaps and bounds?
A. A learner’s skills improve very quickly over a short period.
B. A learner’s skills remain exactly the same.
Check your answer
A. The expression emphasises rapid progress or growth.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.