One fell swoop
Posted by James Briggs on January 23, 2002
In Reply to: One fell swoop posted by Wesley on January 23, 2002
: What is the origin and original meaning of the common phrase "one fell swoop"? "Fell"? Thanks.
A fell swoop is a sudden, complete and often unexpected event; over and done with great speed and totality. Why fell? This comes from the 13th century Old French word "fel" meaning "cruel". The speed of a fell swoop is so great as to be regarded as cruel by some. Our word Felon comes from the same source.
- one fell swoop Bob 01/23/02
- One fell swoop The Fallen
01/23/02
- And this... Word Camel 01/23/02
- One fell swoop The Fallen
01/23/02