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twinkle

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in the twinkle of an eye

Immediately; very quickly; at once. (A variant of the more common "in the twinkling of an eye.") Just call us on this number if you have any problems, and we'll be back in the twinkle of an eye. Don't worry, boss, I'll have this report typed up in the twinkle of an eye!

See also: eye, of, twinkle

twinkle in (one's) eye

1. A facial expression that denotes happiness, amusement, or knowledge of a secret. Just when Rita thought all hope was lost, Jared got a twinkle in his eye that told her he had a plan to get them both out of that sticky situation.

2. A hope or plan that is not yet in existence. You were not even a twinkle in your mother's eye when that photo was taken.

See also: eye, twinkle

twinkle in (one's) father's eye

A phrase used to describe the time before one's birth. I never knew my grandparents; they died when I was just a twinkle in my father's eye.

See also: eye, twinkle

twinkle with something

[for someone's eyes] to sparkle because of something. Her eyes twinkled with laughter. Tom's eyes twinkled with recognition when he saw Gwen again.

See also: twinkle

when somebody was a (mere) twinkle in their father's eye

  (humorous)

at a time before someone was born All this happened a very long time ago, when you were a mere twinkle in your father's eye.

See also: eye, twinkle