lickety-split
Americanadverb
adverb
Etymology
Origin of lickety-split
An Americanism dating back to 1835–45; lickety, a fanciful extension of lick “to move quickly” + split, “fraction,” as in split second
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace could have supplied us, lickety-split.
From Salon • Dec. 6, 2024
The story turns on Sam’s belief in a quick turnaround; the problem acknowledged will now be solved, lickety-split, by the expert he has procured.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 31, 2022
Marshal, with lickety-split wit: “Some would say infamous.”
From Washington Post • Jul. 14, 2022
Not every dish is lickety-split fast, but Peters, who won a James Beard award for her 2016 book, “Eat in My Kitchen,” thoughtfully designates weekends for more complicated dishes.
From Seattle Times • May 11, 2021
A rabbit goes lickety-split in front of me, then disappears.
From "Shiloh" by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
