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in full swing

in full swing

23 3.5
At the peak of activity when many people are active and working
  • idiom
translation icon : en pleno apogeo
  • A party, packed with dancing freaks of every stripe, is in full swing.

The conventions were in full swing.

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Examples

  • When we pulled up the party was in full swing.

  • The party's in full swing.

  • You know, my classes will all be in full swing in February.

  • Fall is pretty much in full swing over here.

  • And your program is back in full swing.

  • And with summer in full swing, timing is everything.

  • The driveway is packed with cars now, and the party is in full swing.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • A sophisticated reception is in full swing, an ocean of smart suits and power ties.

    Fiction book (2000)
  • Booths lined the sidewalks, and in the center square, the carnival was in full swing.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • The holiday shopping season is in full swing, and consumers are flocking to stores.

Synonyms

in full force
vsin full swing
16 3.6

It happens with great strength and many people taking part

refers to maximum active operation rather than stressing strength or numbers
at its peak
vsin full swing
15 3.3

Something is at its strongest, most successful, or most intense

is used for continuous operation rather than a single high point
full throttle
vsin full swing
12 5.8

A state of moving at the highest speed and with the most effort

focuses on general peak activity rather than only rapid speed
full of energy
vsin full swing
12 2.1

Being very active and excited to do things

refers to being at peak collective activity rather than only a person's vitality
full blast
vsin full swing
  • Informal
8 4.1

At maximum loudness or power

means broad high activity rather than simply loud power or volume
in full gear
vsin full swing
1 3.5

Completely ready and working at full speed

describes actually operating at maximum energy rather than mere readiness
at full tilt
vsin full swing
  • Informal
1 5.6

With as much speed and effort as possible

describes overall peak activity rather than only fast movement or effort
full tilt boogie
vsin full swing
  • Slang
9.9

At full speed and energy

emphasizes sustained active operation rather than lively enthusiastic flair

Antonyms

439 3.9

A gradual loss in amount, quality, or value

35 3.5

A time when movement or activity stops completely

How Active

full throttle
12 5.8
in full swing
23 3.5
underway
336 4.1
to start up
16 3.2
idle
57 2.8

Surface Forms

in full swing positive

Morphology

in + full + swing

The meaning is directly built from 'in' (indicating state/place) + 'full' (complete, at the height) + 'swing' (a period of vigorous activity), yielding 'in a state of complete/peak activity.' This is a straightforward compositional adjective-noun construction that a B1 learner who knows the constituent senses can readily infer.

Etymology

The phrase in full swing may come from the image of a playground swing pushed so it moves high and fast, reaching its full movement. So, when an event is in full swing, it is 'at the peak of activity' and very busy.