at a good clip
1
6.0
- idiom
- Informal
:
a buen ritmo
- Larry was driving at a good clip, riding both the gas and the brake pedals, enjoying the newfound freedom of movement.
- move at a good clip
Examples
-
It's electric, so it emits just a low hum as she takes it at a good clip toward the other side.
Fiction book (1997) -
I turned and began marching at a good clip back up the corridor.
Fiction book (1990) -
We've moving at a good clip.
-
After all, she sailed above the forest at a good clip.
Fiction book (2001) -
Another leaps out at them, but the jeep is going at a good clip and it misses.
Fiction book (1997) -
It was good to stretch his legs and make up space between himself and Russ, who was moving at a good clip.
Fiction book (1995) -
"Although our macroeconomic assumptions continue to point to downward pressure on overall IT spending in financial services, in our estimation, the risk technology market is large and still growing at a good clip," he says.
Blog text (22) -
It accelerated as it proceeded along the tree line, picked up more speed as it swung around the cottage and the outbuildings, and was moving at a good clip as it made its last turn and headed across the yard toward the oaks.
Fiction book (1999) -
The runners finished the race at a good clip, impressing everyone with their speed.
-
As the train approached the station, it was traveling at a good clip, making it hard to get a clear picture.
Synonyms
∞
1.0
Moving or happening quickly
∞
1.0
At a fast speed or without delay
446
1.4
In a very short time
130
1.0
Happening or done without any delay
84
1.0
Quickly and smoothly
35
2.5
Very quickly in a single moment
24
3.5
Quickly and with a lot of energy to get things done
6
2.4
To act quickly without delay
5
3.9
Very quickly, often when someone talks or acts
4
8.8
Happens very quickly and without delay
3
3.0
It happens very quickly with little effort
1
5.1
To happen or be done very quickly
1
2.0
Happen very fast
1
8.0
In a very quick way, like someone running fast
Very fast, without delay
Happens very quickly
Very quickly and in a hurry
In a very short time
Antonyms
How Fast
3
2.8
- Informal
1
5.6
- Informal
1
6.0
5
2.7
19
2.7
Surface Forms
Morphology
at + a + good + clip
The meaning 'at a fast or brisk pace' is directly derived from combining 'at' + 'a' + 'good' with 'clip' when 'clip' is known in the sense of 'pace' or 'trot/run at a brisk pace'. This locative/degree construction is a regular compositional pattern in English and would be predictable to a B1 learner who already knows the sense of 'clip'.
Etymology
At a good clip comes from the old image of something moving with a steady clip, like a horse trotting or a ship sailing fast. So, to go at a good clip means to move or work 'quickly' and steadily.