French translation of jiffy is 
clin de œil

Meaning of "jiffy" in English

In English, the term "jiffy" refers to a very short amount of time, essentially indicating something happening quickly or momentarily. It's an informal word often used when someone wants to emphasize speed or promptness. Although "jiffy" doesn't specify an exact duration, it gives the impression that whatever is being referenced will happen almost immediately. This expression is commonly used in casual conversations to reassure someone that a task or action will not take much time, suggesting that it will be completed before they know it.

Meaning of "clin de œil" in French

In French, "clin de œil" literally translates to "wink," but it carries more nuanced meanings. Beyond the physical act of closing one eye briefly as a gesture, it often implies a subtle, humorous, or secretive intent. In cultural contexts, a "clin d'œil" can suggest a hidden message, an inside joke, or a knowing look shared between individuals. It's used to convey a sense of complicity or to subtly imply that there is more to what is being said. This expression captures an essence of mutual understanding beyond words in a conversation.

Pronunciation of "jiffy" in English

Phonetic Transcription: [ˈdʒɪfi]

The pronunciation of "jiffy" in English follows the standard dialect, with minimal variations across different regions. It generally maintains the same pronunciation in American and British English, with only slight differences, if any, in tone or enunciation. The emphasis is placed on the first syllable, "ji," while the second syllable, "fy," is pronounced softly.

Pronunciation of "clin de œil" in French

Phonetic Transcription: [klɛ̃ də œj]

"Clin de œil" has a consistent pronunciation in standard French. The phrase is pronounced with a nasal vowel sound in "clin," the "de" is soft, nearly blending into the next word, and "œil" requires careful shaping of the lips to produce the characteristic French "eu" sound. There are no significant regional variations in its pronunciation across French-speaking regions.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

1. I'll be back in a jiffy. (Je reviens dans un clin d'œil.)
2. She solved the puzzle in a jiffy. (Elle a résolu le puzzle en un clin d'œil.)
3. The repairs were done in a jiffy. (Les réparations ont été faites en un clin d'œil.)
4. The game was over in a jiffy. (Le jeu était terminé en un clin d'œil.)
5. Finish your homework, and we can leave in a jiffy. (Finis tes devoirs et on peut partir dans un clin d'œil.)
6. Pack your bags; we'll be ready in a jiffy. (Fais tes valises; nous serons prêts dans un clin d'œil.)
7. He disappeared in a jiffy after the meeting. (Il a disparu en un clin d'œil après la réunion.)
8. This meal will be prepared in a jiffy. (Ce repas sera préparé en un clin d'œil.)
9. The train arrived in a jiffy. (Le train est arrivé en un clin d'œil.)
10. You’ll get the hang of it in a jiffy. (Tu comprendras en un clin d'œil.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "jiffy" in English

Synonyms: moment, instant, flash, second, tick, trice, blink, heartbeat, minute, split-second.

Antonyms: eternity, forever, age, eon, infinity.

Similar Words: twinkle, twinkling, instantaneously, swiftly, briskly, promptly, quickly, rapidly, speedily.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "clin de œil" in French

Synonyms: clignement, coup d'œil, allusion, insinuation, picotement.

Antonyms: -.

Similar Words: regard, signe, geste, clin d'œil complice, clignotement.

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