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double-quick

double-quick

7.9
Very quick, as when soldiers march at twice the normal speed
  • adjective
  • /ˈdʌbəl kwɪk/
translation icon : doble rápido
  • The drill sergeant shouted for the recruits to march double-quick during their training exercises.

Examples

  • ♪ Anyone takin' sick leave oughta be sure they're sick ♪ ♪ And every time you hear that bell ♪ ♪ You better get here double-quick ♪ ♪ And as for pimps.

  • A deep column of bluecoats, their bayonets fixed, stormed up the Brock Road at the double-quick.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • Irish brigade, at the double-quick... ...forward march!

  • At the double-quick, men!

  • At the double-quick, boys!

  • The corporal's double-quick faltered as the words reached him.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • At the double-quick!

  • Double-quick, boys!

  • The Northern men, their bayonets gleaming even in the uncertain light, upped their pace to double-quick.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • As soon as the whistle blew, the soldiers moved double-quick to the front line.

Synonyms

fast
vsdouble-quick
1.0

Moving or happening quickly

applies to marching at twice normal speed rather than any quick action
rapidly
vsdouble-quick
446 1.4

In a very short time

specifies a particular marching rate rather than general quickness
swiftly
vsdouble-quick
84 1.0

Quickly and smoothly

describes a precise fast march, not necessarily smooth or graceful
on the double
vsdouble-quick
  • Informal
27 3.7

Very quickly and without delay

refers to a specific marching pace, not just urgent immediate action
double time
vsdouble-quick
  • Jargon
2 4.9

A fast marching pace used by soldiers to move quickly

is specifically marching at twice the normal marching speed
superfast
vsdouble-quick
1 3.2

Moving or working much faster than usual

denotes a set marching pace at twice normal speed, not just extreme speed
quick as a flash
vsdouble-quick
  • Informal
1 2.0

Happen very fast

is about sustained marching speed, not a single sudden instant
like Speedy Gonzales
vsdouble-quick
  • Informal
1 8.0

In a very quick way, like someone running fast

applies to marching at twice the normal rate, not comic speed image
double quick
vsdouble-quick
  • Informal
4.1

Very fast, without delay

is specific to marching and means about twice normal marching pace
in quick sticks
vsdouble-quick
  • Archaic
9.9

Very quickly and in a hurry

specifies measured marching speed rather than hurried, messy haste

How Fast

double-quick
7.9
rapid
295 1.3
fast
1.0
brisk
27 3.2
quick
183 1.0

Surface Forms

double-quick positive

Morphology

double-quick = double + quick (transparent) = double + quick

The meaning is directly compositional: 'double' + 'quick' → twice-as-quick, an obvious intensifying compound for learners.

Etymology

Double-quick joins double ('twice') and quick ('fast') and began as a marching order telling soldiers to move at twice the usual pace. So double-quick now means to do something very fast, as if you must be 'twice' as quick.