New York minute

N

New York minute

Meaning

  • in a very short amount of time
  • very quickly, in an instant
  • a minute that seems to pass very quickly

Example Sentences

  1. I’ll get that job done in a New York minute if you give it to me.
  2. He was in and out of the place in a New York minute, having finished whatever he had to do.
  3. It looked like his mind had already been made up, as it took him a New York minute to announce his decision.
  4. He was an expert ethical hacker and it took him all of a New York minute to hack into the site.
  5. Wait for me here, I will be back in a New York minute.
  6. The eatery out there has a really quick service. They served our order in a New York minute.
  7. It took him a New York minute to collect his belongings and leave the place.

Origin

The phrase alludes to the fast paced life in New York. Although the exact origin is not clear, it is believed that the phrase originated in Texas as a reference to the frenzied life in New York compared to the slower life there. It has been in use since the mid 1900s.

Share your opinions2 Opinions

I heard it is the amount of time between the light turning green and the person in the car behind you honking their horn.

‒ Brian July 8, 2022

Why not use “a minute” or “in a minute” instead?

‒ Someone July 20, 2018

What's on your mind?

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