hey presto
Meaning: Said when something happens suddenly, as if by magic.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “Plug it in, press the button, and hey presto, it works.”
Category: The Absurd
Origin: A conjurer's call from the 18th century; presto is Italian for "quick."
Equivalents in other languages
- French: Passez, muscade ! — literally: Pass, nutmeg!
More idioms — The Absurd
- the eighth wonder of the world — Something extraordinary, often said ironically.
- scream blue murder — To protest very loudly.
- a Procrustean bed — A rigid standard forced on everything, whatever the damage.
- a Sisyphean task — An endless, futile task.
- Captain Obvious — A mocking name for someone who states the obvious.
- diddly-squat — Nothing at all.
More English idioms
- search me — I don't know.
- set the cat among the pigeons — To say or do something that causes trouble or uproar.
- storm clouds are gathering — Trouble is coming.
- be rolling in it — To be very rich.
- be worth one's weight in gold — To be extremely valuable or useful.
- all bark and no bite — Threatening or boastful but not actually dangerous.