"At fell swoop" is an idiomatic expression that refers to the completion of a task or action in a single, swift, and decisive manner. The phrase originated from William Shakespeare's play Macbeth, in which Macduff describes his ability to kill Macbeth's entire family in one swift attack, likening it to the sudden dive of a bird of prey, known as a swoop, that snatches its prey at once.
In its modern usage, "at fell swoop" is commonly employed to emphasize how a particular action or event occurs quickly and efficiently, achieving its objective with minimal effort or delay. It conveys the idea that something is accomplished in a single instance or in one coordinated and unanticipated movement.
The phrase is often used to describe situations where a significant change, achievement, or consequence takes place suddenly and dramatically. For example, one might say, "The new laws will completely transform the education system at fell swoop," meaning that the laws will rapidly and thoroughly bring about significant changes in the education sector.
Overall, "at fell swoop" is a vivid and powerful expression that highlights the speed, efficiency, and all-encompassing nature of a particular action or event, suggesting that it occurs swiftly and decisively, leaving a significant impact in its wake.
