swoop

Everyday

1. To swoop means to fly or move down quickly and suddenly through the air, usually to catch something. tree →
2. A swoop is a quick downward rush, or a sudden attack or raid. tree →
3. «In one fell swoop» means all at once. tree →

In the lessons

In science and nature: birds of prey (eagles, hawks, owls) swoop to catch mice; in Australia, magpies swoop on people in spring to protect their nests — wear a hat, walk calmly, do not run or wave arms. In stories, «swoop» gives a picture of fast, sudden movement. Phrases: swoop down, swoop in, swoop on, in one fell swoop.

Examples

• The owl swooped down and caught a mouse. tree →
• In spring, magpies swoop on cyclists near their nests. tree →
• A seagull swooped and stole my chip. tree →
• The swallows swooped low over the pond. tree →
• Police swooped on the thieves at dawn. tree →
• Mum swooped in and picked up the crying toddler. tree →
• He cleared the table in one fell swoop. tree →
• He had hardly spoken, before the hawk swooped down and knocked the cup from his hand. tree →

Note

Regular verb: swooped, swooping. Swoop means going down fast; «soar» means flying high and gliding. Australian safety: during swooping season, wear a hat or helmet and use a different path if a magpie nest is near.

In Jewish tradition

God is shown swooping on the wind, and an enemy swoops like a vulture.

Interpretation. Tradition reads the swoop as a picture of sudden help for the righteous or sudden judgment of their foes.

Examples

• And He rode upon a cherub, and did fly; yea, He did swoop down upon the wings of the wind. (Writings PSA.18.11, JPS 1917) tree →
• For thus saith the LORD: Behold, he shall swoop as a vulture, and shall spread out his wings against Moab. (Prophets JER.48.40, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular verb: swooped, swooping. Swoop means going down fast; «soar» means flying high and gliding. Australian safety: during swooping season, wear a hat or helmet and use a different path if a magpie nest is near.