The Origins of the Idiom
The exact origins of this idiom are unclear, but it has been in use for centuries. The phrase “thick” refers to something that is dense or closely packed together, while “fast” means quick or speedy. When used together, they create an image of things coming at you rapidly and with great force.
Common Usage Examples
This idiom is commonly used in both formal and informal settings. For example:
- “The questions were coming thick and fast during the press conference.”
- “The orders for our new product have been coming in thick and fast.”
- “I couldn’t keep up with all the emails that were coming through thick and fast.”
Origins and Historical Context of the Idiom “come thick and fast”
The phrase “come thick and fast” is a common idiom used to describe something that is happening quickly and in large numbers. The origins of this expression can be traced back to medieval times, when archers would fire arrows at their enemies in rapid succession. The arrows would come down on the enemy like rain, creating a dense barrage that was difficult to avoid.
Over time, this imagery became associated with other situations where things were coming at a person or group quickly and relentlessly. For example, during the Industrial Revolution in England, workers were often overwhelmed by the pace of production as machines churned out goods at an unprecedented rate. This led to the use of “come thick and fast” to describe any situation where there was an overwhelming amount of work or activity.
In modern times, the idiom has taken on new meanings as well. It is often used in sports commentary to describe a team’s offensive strategy when they are scoring goals or points rapidly one after another. It can also be used more figuratively to describe any situation where events are unfolding quickly and without pause.
Usage and Variations of the Idiom “come thick and fast”
The idiom “come thick and fast” is a commonly used phrase in English language. It refers to something that arrives quickly, one after another, without any pause or break. The usage of this idiom can be seen in various contexts such as sports, politics, entertainment, business etc.
Variations of the Idiom
While the basic meaning of the idiom remains the same across different contexts, there are variations in its usage depending on the situation. For instance:
- “Come thick and fast” can be replaced by “pouring down” when referring to rain or other forms of precipitation.
- In sports commentary, it is common to hear phrases like “goals coming thick and fast”, “wickets falling thick and fast”, etc.
- In political debates or discussions about current events, people might use this idiom to describe a series of scandals or controversies that have emerged rapidly.
Examples of Usage
Here are some examples where you might encounter this idiom:
Example 1:
“The questions were coming thick and fast during the press conference.”
Example 2:
“The company was hit with bad news coming thick and fast – first they lost a major client, then their stock prices dropped.”
Example 3:
“The team scored three goals in quick succession – they were really coming thick and fast!”
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Cultural Insights for the Idiom “come thick and fast”
To begin with, let’s look at some synonyms for “come thick and fast”. This phrase is often used to describe a situation where things are happening rapidly or in quick succession. Some alternative expressions that convey a similar meaning include “pour in”, “flood in”, “stream in”, or simply “arrive quickly”.
On the other hand, if we want to express the opposite idea of something coming slowly or infrequently, we might use antonyms such as “trickle in”, “drip-feed”, or even just say that something is arriving at a slow pace.
Now let’s turn our attention to cultural insights related to this idiom. While it may seem like a straightforward expression on its own, understanding its context within different cultures can provide valuable context. For example, in Western societies where time is often seen as a precious commodity, having things come thick and fast can be seen as efficient and desirable. However, in some Eastern cultures where patience is valued more highly than speed, an overwhelming amount of information or events coming all at once could be viewed negatively.
Practical Exercises for the Idiom “come thick and fast”
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blank
In this exercise, you’ll be given a sentence with a blank space where the idiom “come thick and fast” should go. Choose the correct form of the idiom from the options provided.
| Sentence | Possible Answers | Correct Answer |
|---|---|---|
| The questions from reporters were coming ___________ during the press conference. | a) slowly and sporadically b) quickly and frequently c) loudly and obnoxiously d) none of these |
b) quickly and frequently |
| The emails requesting information about the product were coming ___________ after our ad aired on TV. | a) slowly and sporadically b) quickly and frequently c) loudly and obnoxiously d) none of these |
a) slowly and sporadically (Note: This is an example of how “come thick” can also mean something is happening slowly but steadily.) |
Exercise 2: Write Your Own Sentences Using The Idiom
In this exercise, you’ll write your own sentences using the idiom “come thick and fast”. Try to use different tenses and forms of the idiom to make your sentences more interesting.
| Example |
|---|
| The orders for our new product were coming thick and fast, so we had to hire more staff to keep up with demand. |
Now it’s your turn! Write at least three sentences using the idiom “come thick and fast”.
1. ___________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using the Idiom “come thick and fast”
When using idioms in English, it’s important to use them correctly in order to avoid confusion or miscommunication. The idiom “come thick and fast” is no exception. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using this expression:
Avoiding Literal Interpretations
The phrase “come thick and fast” should not be taken literally, as it does not refer to physical thickness or speed. Instead, it means that something is happening quickly and in large quantities.
Avoiding Misuse of Tenses
It’s important to use the correct tense when using this idiom. For example, if you say “the emails came thick and fast,” you’re referring to a past event. If you say “the emails are coming thick and fast,” you’re referring to a current situation.