English > English |
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one fell swoop |
1. n. One stroke; one action or event with many results. |
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Changing the oil lubricates the engine and removes debris in one fell swoop. |
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Analysis |
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one |
1. num. (cardinal) The number represented by the Arabic numeral 1; the numerical value equal to that cardinal number. |
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In some religions, there is only one god. |
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In many cultures, a baby turns one year old a year after its birth. |
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One person, one vote. |
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2. num. (number theory) The first positive number in the set of natural numbers. |
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fell |
1. v. To make something fall; especially to chop down a tree. |
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2. v. To strike down, kill, destroy. |
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3. v. (sewing) To stitch down a protruding flap of fabric, as a seam allowance, or pleat. |
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4. n. A cutting-down of timber. |
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5. n. The stitching down of a fold of cloth; specifically, the portion of a kilt, from the waist to the seat, where the pleats are stitched down. |
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fall |
1. n. The act of moving to a lower position under the effect of gravity. |
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2. n. A reduction in quantity, pitch, etc. |
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3. n. (chiefly North America, obsolete elsewhere) The time of the year when the leaves typically fall from the trees; autumn; the season of the year between the autumnal equinox and the winter solstice. |
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4. n. A loss of greatness or status. |
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the fall of Rome |
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swoop |
1. v. (intransitive) To fly or glide downwards suddenly; to plunge (in the air) or nosedive. |
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The lone eagle swooped down into the lake, snatching its prey, a small fish. |
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2. v. (intransitive) To move swiftly, as if with a sweeping movement, especially to attack something. |
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The dog had enthusiastically swooped down on the bone. |
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3. v. To fall on at once and seize; to catch while on the wing. |
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