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En deux temps, trois mouvements

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Expression: En deux temps, trois mouvements

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)
Example

   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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