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THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE

In full swing

Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.

01 / UNDERSTAND

Meaning in plain English

At a busy, active stage when an event or activity is well under way.

02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT

The expression in a sentence

  1. The book fair was in full swing when we reached the hall.

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.

Can you recall the expression?

Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.

The book fair was ________ when we reached the hall.
Show the answer

In full swing — At a busy, active stage when an event or activity is well under way.

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Make it yours

Write one sentence using “In full swing” about your own life.

Check your sentence

Does your sentence match this meaning?

At a busy, active stage when an event or activity is well under way.

Compare: The book fair was in full swing when we reached the hall.

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GO DEEPER

More ways to understand and use it

When to use it

Use this expression for an event, preparation or process that is already very active. It often helps describe the scene when someone arrives.

More examples in context

  • Preparations for the school play are now in full swing.
  • By midday, the workshop discussions were in full swing.

Usage note

Use in full swing, without a before full. The phrase usually follows be. It describes activity already under way, rather than an event that has not started yet.

A short conversation

A: Should we wait before going into the hall?
B: No, the fair is already in full swing.
A: Then let’s join the first activity.

One more practice question

When is a festival in full swing?

A. When it is already happening with plenty of activity.
B. When it has not started and the venue is empty.

Check your answer

A. The expression describes an active stage of an event already under way.

Related lessons

Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.

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