twinkling
das Handumdrehen
Loading your saved state.
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.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Handumdrehens |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Handumdrehen | – |
| accusative | das Handumdrehen | – |
| dative | dem Handumdrehen | – |
| genitive | des Handumdrehens | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
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.
Der Zauberer ließ die Karte im Handumdrehen verschwinden.
The magician made the card disappear in no time.
