Leaps and bounds

Meaning

"Leaps and bounds" is an idiom used to describe a sudden and significant change, advancement, or progress. It can also be used to indicate that something is happening at an unexpectedly fast pace. The figurative meaning of the idiom is that something has improved or evolved rapidly, beyond what was previously expected or assumed.

Usage

• The company's revenue has leaped and bounds in the past year due to the launch of a new product line.
• After struggling with her health for years, Sarah finally found relief and her condition has improved dramatically.
• The child's language skills have leaped and bounds since starting pre-school.
• The technology industry is constantly evolving, and advancements in AI are happening at an incredible pace.
• The artist's style has gone through a transformation, with new techniques being incorporated into her work at a rapid pace.

Roots and History

The phrase "leaps and bounds" can be traced back to the 15th century, where it was used in Old English as "læpan on bounces". It was typically used in the context of hunting, with the animal being pursued by riders who would leap over obstacles on horseback. Over time, the idiom came to be used more generally to describe any sudden or significant change or progress.

Synonyms in English

• Jumped leaps and bounds
• Skipped ahead
• Made great strides
• Surpassed expectations
• Picked up momentum

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish: saltó de cabo (jumped over)
• French: sauta par-dessus (jumped over)
• German: überstreichen (surpass)
• Italian: superare (surpass)
• Mandarin: 突然逾越 (abruptly surpassed)

Similar Idioms

• by all means

• long arm of the law

• day of reckoning