straight away: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘straight away’ mean?
The idiom "straight away" means to do something immediately or without delay.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "upon the instant" means immediately or without delay.
The idiom "take the initiative" means to be proactive and make the first move or take action without being prompted or instructed.
The idiom "switch on" means to activate or turn on. It is used to describe the action of starting a device or making something operational.
The idiom "sure enough" means that something expected or predicted actually happened or turned out to be true. It is used to confirm or validate a previous statement or belief.
The idiom "straight goods" means telling the truth or giving honest information without any deception or exaggeration.
The idiom "straight from the shoulder" means to be direct, honest, and straightforward in one's manner of speaking or acting without any hesitation or evasiveness.
The idiom "straight face" means to keep a serious or expressionless demeanor, hiding any signs of amusement or emotion.
The idiom "straighten out" means to resolve or clarify a confusing or chaotic situation, or to correct someone's behavior or thinking.
This idiom means to begin with a fresh start or a new approach, without any preconceived notions or biases from the past.
The idiom "square on" means to confront or face a situation directly and honestly, without avoiding or shying away from it.
Hidden Meaning
"Straight away" is a commonly used idiom that means "immediately" or "without delay." The origin of this phrase can be traced back to the late 19th century, likely in the United Kingdom. The term "straight away" itself is derived from the adverbial phrase "straight away," which signifies doing something directly or promptly. The choice of the word "straight" denotes a direct course of action, without any detours or delays, while "away" emphasizes the urgency of the action. This idiom has gained popularity over time and is now prevalent in both formal and informal contexts, spoken and written language, throughout the English-speaking world.
"Straight away" has several synonymous expressions that convey a similar sense of immediacy and urgency. These include "right away," "at once," "immediately," "instantly," and "without hesitation." These phrases can be used interchangeably to highlight the need for prompt action.
The versatility of the idiom "straight away" makes it applicable in various situations. For instance, it can be used to indicate a commitment to promptness, such as when someone says, "I'll start working on the report straight away." This statement conveys the speaker's intention to begin the task immediately, without any unnecessary delay.
Similarly, the idiom can also be used to express the inability to provide an immediate response. For example, someone might say, "I can't provide you with an answer straight away." This phrase conveys the message that the person is unable to give an immediate response due to various reasons.
It is important to note that the precise meaning and usage of the idiom "straight away" may vary depending on the context and individual interpretation. However, in general, it carries connotations of efficiency and decisiveness, highlighting the importance of taking quick action and avoiding unnecessary delays.
The idiom "straight away" has a rich history and continues to be widely used in the English language today. Its straightforward meaning and versatility make it a relevant expression in various scenarios. Whether used in formal or informal settings, "straight away" conveys the idea of immediate action and promptness, emphasizing the value of not wasting time and taking the initiative to get things done promptly.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom straight away can be used in a sentence:
- I told him to start working on the project straight away.
- The ambulance arrived at the scene and the paramedics attended to the injured straight away.
- She knew she had to apologize to her friend straight away for what she had said.
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