in a heartbeat

in a heartbeat

English

Pronunciation

• Audio (AU)

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Prepositional phrase

in a heartbeat

1. (idiomatic) Without hesitation or reservation; at once.
   • 1989 Aug. 6, Claudia H. Deutsch, "Colgate's Next Trick: Controlling the Chaos," New York Times (retrieved 24 June 2011):

     “Colgate would sell Princess House in a heartbeat, if it could find a buyer,” said Bonita Austin.

   • 2001 May 22, Kyle Woodlief, "Sharp-shooting Swede Sjostrom shines," USA Today (retrieved 24 June 2011):

     Sjostrom's game is predicated on strong skating. He accelerates in a heartbeat with a lightning quick stride and changes direction smoothly.

   • 2006 July 12, Steven Berlin Johnson, "Don't Fear the Digital," Time:

     [I]f I had to do away with either handwriting or typing for the rest of my life, I'd give up handwriting in a heartbeat.