“A hop, skip, and (a) jump” is a popular phrase that is commonly used in everyday language. It is often used to describe a short distance or a small amount of effort required to complete a task. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and meaning of this phrase, as well as its associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
The phrase “a hop, skip, and (a) jump” is used to describe a short distance or a small amount of effort required to complete a task. It refers to a quick and easy movement that requires little effort. The phrase can also be used to describe a person who is agile and quick on their feet.
Origin
The origin of the phrase “a hop, skip, and (a) jump” is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the 18th century. The phrase may have been used to describe a game that involved jumping and skipping. It is also possible that the phrase was used to describe the movement of a frog or other small animal.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The phrase “a hop, skip, and (a) jump” is not found in most dictionaries. However, the individual words that make up the phrase have their own definitions. “Hop” means to jump on one foot, “skip” means to move lightly and quickly, and “jump” means to spring off the ground.
Associations
The phrase “a hop, skip, and (a) jump” is often associated with childhood games and activities, such as hopscotch and jumping rope. It is also associated with agility and quickness.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of “a hop, skip, and (a) jump” include “a stone’s throw,” “a skip away,” and “a hop and a skip.”
Antonyms
Antonyms of “a hop, skip, and (a) jump” include “a long way,” “a great distance,” and “a lot of effort.”
The same root words
The words “hop,” “skip,” and “jump” all have the same root word, which is “jump.” The word “jump” comes from the Old French word “jumper,” which means “to leap.”
Example Sentences
- The store is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from my house.
- She skipped down the street, full of energy and enthusiasm.
- He hopped over the fence and landed on the other side.
- The athlete’s quickness and agility were impressive as he jumped over the hurdle.
In conclusion, “a hop, skip, and (a) jump” is a popular phrase that is used to describe a short distance or a small amount of effort required to complete a task. The phrase has its roots in childhood games and activities and is often associated with agility and quickness. While the phrase may not be found in most dictionaries, its individual words have their own definitions and meanings.