Pronunciation: [a(n) deu ta(n) trwa moov(eu) ma(n)]
Meaning: in double time, very quickly
Literal translation: in two beats, three movements
Register: Informal
Notes: The French expression en deux temps, trois mouvements is a musical reference which claims that someone has managed to fit three movements into just two beats - in other words, very quickly. The equivalent musical expression in English is "in double time," and there are other idiomatic possibilities:
- before you know it
- in a jiffy
- in no time
- in the blink of an eye
- quick as a wink
- before you can say "Jack Robinson" (old-fashioned)
- in two shakes of a lamb's tail (old-fashioned)
En deux temps, trois mouvements elle a préparé le dîner.
She made dinner in no time.
Synonymous expressions
(faire quelque chose) plus vite que son ombre
en moins de temps qu'il ne faut pour le dire / l'écrire
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