Meaning & use
one swoop
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Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
In a single action that deals with many things at once.
Grammar: Used in the phrases 'in one swoop' or 'at one swoop'. It is not used as a countable noun phrase like 'a one swoop'.
Patterns
- in one swoop
- at one swoop
- do something in one swoop
She finished all her shopping in one swoop.
The company bought three rival firms in one swoop.
He solved the problem and answered the complaint in one swoop.
Common combinations
- in one swoop
- They cleared the whole table in one swoop.
- at one swoop
- He caught two fish at one swoop.
- do something in one swoop
- You can book flights and hotels in one swoop.
Synonyms and how they differ
- in one fell swoop
- The full idiom, often used for dramatic or destructive events; 'in one swoop' is a shorter, less formal version.
- all at once
- Means everything happening together, but does not suggest a single, sudden action like 'in one swoop'.
- in one go
- British informal; means completing something in a single attempt without stopping. 'In one swoop' emphasizes dealing with many things together.
Word family
- swoop verb
- To move down quickly through the air, like a bird attacking; also to make a sudden attack or visit.
Commonly confused: one swoop or one-stop?
one swoop vs one-stop
Describes a place where you can get many services in one place, as in 'a one-stop shop'. 'One swoop' is about doing things in a single action, not a single place.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'one swoop' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The fixed phrase is 'in one swoop'. Option 1 uses 'in' correctly. Options 2, 3 and 4 use prepositions that do not go with this idiom.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “one swoop”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.