In the twinkling of an eye

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In the twinkling of an eye

Meaning

In an instant.

Origin

This is recorded by Robert Manning of Brunne, in Handlyng synne, 1303: "Yn twynkelyng of an ye"

It is also used in the Bible, 1 Corinthians 15:52 (King James Version):

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

It was later used by Shakespeare in The Merchant Of Venice: "I'll take my leave of the Jew in the twinkling of an eye."

See other phrases and sayings from Shakespeare.