in a jiffy
expression · Collocation / phrase C2
Plain meaning
very soon or very quickly
Exam-register meaning
In exam reading or discussion, this expression signals very soon or very quickly rather than a literal meaning.
In context
naturalThe phrase “in a jiffy” fitted the situation perfectly.
examIn higher-level reading passages, “in a jiffy” may be used to show very soon or very quickly.
Common collocations
in a jiffyuse “in a jiffy” in contextthe expression “in a jiffy”
Watch out
Do not translate “in a jiffy” word-for-word; learn it as a fixed expression and check whether it is suitable for formal writing.