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Glite Dictionary
in jig time

in jig time

7.9
In a very short time
  • idiom
  • Archaic
translation icon : en un abrir y cerrar de ojos
  • She finished her homework in jig time, so she could join her friends at the park.

Examples

  • The repairs were completed in jig time, allowing us to open the store earlier than expected.

  • He explained that in this tropical climate a leather band would mildew and rot in jig time; it was just common sense to commission an aluminum band from him.

    Fiction book (1991)

  • Predictably, they're back in jig time, riding in on the lazy hum of the Hystone trolley and the carillon medley from the Nazarene Church.

    Fiction book (1991)

  • The pizza arrived in jig time, right when we were getting hungry.

Synonyms

quickly
vsin jig time
∞ 1.0

At a fast speed or without delay

is an idiomatic quick phrase rather than this neutral general word
rapidly
vsin jig time
446 1.4

In a very short time

is similar but may be more formal or technical in tone
instantly
vsin jig time
330 1.0

Right away without any delay

is strictly immediate while the other can allow a small delay
overnight
vsin jig time
201 2.0

Very quickly, in a short time

is more general quickness for small moments, not long slower changes
in no time
vsin jig time
174 1.3

Very quickly, in a short time

is equivalent in speed but may focus more on coming soon
swiftly
vsin jig time
84 1.0

Quickly and smoothly

is fast too, but does not always imply the same smoothness
in just a minute
vsin jig time
54 1.7

After a very short time

is quicker and more immediate than this near future sense
in the blink of an eye
vsin jig time
  • Informal
50 3.3

Very quickly, in almost no time

is quick but can refer to a short period, not pure instant
in a flash
vsin jig time
  • Informal
35 2.5

Very quickly in a single moment

is fast but may lack the suddenness implied here
in short order
vsin jig time
13 3.5

Very quickly without delay

is used for fast timing but not always for instantaneous events
in a snap
vsin jig time
  • Informal
3 3.0

It happens very quickly with little effort

is similarly quick but can suggest more ordinary brief timing
in nothing flat
vsin jig time
  • Archaic
1 7.0

In a very short time

is fast but may not be strictly immediate in every case
quick as a flash
vsin jig time
  • Informal
1 2.0

Happen very fast

is fast too but may not stress that extreme sudden speed
in the bat of an eye
vsin jig time
  • Informal
5.1

Very quickly, in almost no time

is rapid but sometimes denotes a small detectable interval
in the snap of someone's fingers
vsin jig time
  • Informal
5.0

Happens very quickly

is fast yet does not always imply effortless or instant action
in quick sticks
vsin jig time
  • Archaic
9.9

Very quickly and in a hurry

is broader and can apply to quick actions without frantic hurry
with a quickness
vsin jig time
  • Informal
7.2

In a very short time

is fast too but often lacks the urgent or pressured tone
double quick
vsin jig time
  • Informal
4.1

Very fast, without delay

is about quickness generally, not necessarily commanding rapid movement

Antonyms

slowly
∞ 1.0

At a low speed without hurrying

gradually
273 1.9

Slowly and steadily over time

How Fast

instantly
330 1.0
in jig time
  • Archaic
7.9
in no time
174 1.3
quickly
∞ 1.0
soon
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

in jig time positive

Morphology

in + jig + time

The phrase maps metaphorically from 'jig' (a fast, upbeat dance) to a short span of time — 'the time of a jig' — so a learner who knows the constituents could plausibly infer 'very quickly.' However, this is a figurative, somewhat regional/archaic idiom rather than a regular compositional pattern, so the connection is not fully predictable without exposure.

Etymology

In jig time comes from the lively dance called a jig. Because a jig has quick, lively steps, doing something 'in jig time' means doing it 'very quickly'.