by leaps and bounds 📈
Definition: To make very rapid progress in an activity or situation.
Synonyms:
- Rapidly
- Swiftly
- Thunderously
- By quantum jumps
Antonyms:
- Slowly
- Gradually
- Step by step
- Inch by inch
Humor-filled Quotes:
“My tech skills are advancing by leaps and bounds. At this rate, I’ll be able to reboot the toaster by next Wednesday!” - Anonymous Technophile
Proverbs:
- “The swiftest horse cannot overtake the word once spoken.” —Chinese Proverb
- “Haste makes waste.” —Classic Adage
Related and Similar Terms:
- Shooting ahead: Moving forward at a rapid pace.
- Breakneck speed: Extremely fast.
- Making headway: Progressing efficiently.
- Springing forward: Quickly advancing.
Literary References:
- “Allegory of the Cave” by Plato subtly points to enlightenment by leaps and bounds, as sudden understanding occurs.
- Metrical Feet by Samuel Taylor Coleridge: “With a leap and a bound the swift Anapaests throng.”
Movies:
- Forrest Gump (1994): “Life is like a box of chocolates” akin to how Forrest progresses his life by leaps and bounds.
Songs:
- “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor: The song showcases ambition and goals achieved by rapid efforts.
Suggested Book:
- Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell explores the rapid rise of wildly successful individuals, certainly by leaps and bounds.
Poetry:
- “Fog” by Carl Sandburg: “The fog comes on little cat feet”—a nod to the opposite concept, not having rapid progress!
Remember:
Make rapid progress, much like galloping horses against time, for sometimes life doesn’t wait for a shuffle. Sprint ahead with impulses for a quantum leap into success and joy.
### Which of these phrases means rapid progress?
- [x] By leaps and bounds
- [ ] By sluggish steps
- [ ] Like a sleepy snail
- [ ] Strolling leisurely
> **Explanation:** "By leaps and bounds" means to progress very quickly, as opposed to the slower alternatives listed.
### Select the correct usage of 'by leaps and bounds':
- [ ] Her progress was by small hops and skips.
- [ ] He improved his painting skills by crawling and meandering.
- [x] The company's profits increased by leaps and bounds.
- [ ] They resolved the issue by creeping and tiptoeing.
> **Explanation:** Using the idiom correctly demonstrates rapid improvement or increase, much like the profits flying up swiftly.
### True or False: 'By leaps and bounds' describes a slow and steady movement.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False! The essence of "by leaps and bounds" is rapid, swift progress, not slow movement.
Inspirational Thought: In a world moving by leaps and bounds, never forget to keep pace with what truly matters. Progress like a sprinter, but care with the heart of a marathoner.
• The End! •
