The phrase "zip by" refers to something passing quickly or swiftly. It is pronounced as /zɪp baɪ/, with the "z" sound being a voiced alveolar fricative, the "i" sound being the short "i" vowel sound, the "p" being a voiceless bilabial plosive, and the "b" being a voiced bilabial plosive. The "y" sound is pronounced as a semivowel and is formed when the tongue moves from the back of the mouth towards the palate, roughly forming a "y" shape in the mouth. Overall, the pronunciation of "zip by" is fairly easy to master, once you've learned the IPA transcription.
The phrasal verb "zip by" is an idiomatic expression used to describe the fast movement of an object or person passing through a particular place or scene rapidly. It suggests that something or someone moves swiftly and quickly, often without pausing or lingering. The word "zip" typically connotes a high degree of speed and swiftness, similar to the sound or motion associated with the quick movement of a zipper. The term "by" in this context indicates the direction of movement - alongside, past, or through a specific point or location.
When something "zip by," it indicates a fleeting passage, where the object or person swiftly travels by a particular place, barely allowing time for comprehension or observation. This phrase is commonly used to describe fast-moving vehicles on roads, pedestrians hurrying past, or any object that moves rapidly in a given context. It can also refer to time passing quickly without being fully realized or appreciated.
The expression "zip by" carries connotations of speed, efficiency, and brevity. It evokes a sense of something happening swiftly and often unexpectedly, prompting a momentary experience that might be easily missed or overlooked due to its rapidity.
The word "zip by" is a combination of the verb "zip" and the preposition "by".
The term "zip" likely comes from the late 19th century American English slang, which originally meant to move or act quickly. Its precise origin is uncertain, but it may be related to the sound that a fast-moving object makes, imitating the sound of a zipper or something similar.
The preposition "by" has Old English roots, derived from the Germanic word "bi", meaning "near" or "at the dwelling". Over time, "by" acquired numerous meanings and uses, one of which is indicating movement past or beside something.
Combining "zip" and "by" creates the phrase "zip by", which refers to moving swiftly past or beside something or someone.