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in no time
A fixed expression meaning that something happens very quickly, effortlessly, and in the shortest possible time.
Die erfahrene Köchin hat das komplizierte Gericht im Handumdrehen zubereitet.
The experienced cook prepared the complicated dish in no time.
The word is made up of 'Hand' (hand) and 'umdrehen' (to turn over/turn around). The expression figuratively describes an action that happens as quickly as turning over your own hand.
Das Problem war so einfach, ich habe es im Handumdrehen gelöst.
The problem was so simple, I solved it in no time.
This noun is used almost exclusively in the fixed expression 'im Handumdrehen' (in no time). The entire phrase functions in a sentence like an adverb meaning 'very quickly' or 'effortlessly'.
Er hat den kaputten Reifen im Handumdrehen gewechselt.
He changed the flat tire in no time.
The expression 'im Handumdrehen' (in no time) can be placed flexibly in a sentence. If it appears at the beginning of the sentence in position 1, the verb follows directly in position 2.
Im Handumdrehen war der ganze Kuchen aufgegessen.
In no time, the whole cake had been eaten.
fast / quick
'schnell' and 'im Handumdrehen' both say that something takes little time. 'schnell' is a normal adjective or adverb and fits in many different situations. 'im Handumdrehen' (in no time) is a fixed expression. It sounds more figurative and emphasizes that something is done especially quickly and usually also easily. You use 'im Handumdrehen' mainly for tasks or processes that take a surprisingly short time. If you only want to talk neutrally about speed, 'schnell' is more natural. If you want to emphasize shortness and ease, 'im Handumdrehen' works well.
Die Gäste sind da, und der Salat ist im Handumdrehen fertig.
The guests are here, and the salad is ready in no time.
Zur Sicherheit kontrolliert die Technikerin schnell die Maschine.
To be safe, the technician quickly checks the machine.