“(At) any minute (now)” is a commonly used phrase that means something is expected to happen soon or very soon. It is a phrase that is often used in everyday conversations, news reports, and literature to indicate that an event could happen at any moment.
Definitions
The phrase “(at) any minute (now)” is an idiomatic expression that is used to indicate that something is imminent or expected to happen soon. It is often used to express a sense of urgency or anticipation. The phrase can also be used to convey a feeling of uncertainty or unpredictability.
Origin
The origin of the phrase “(at) any minute (now)” is not clear. However, it is believed to have originated in the early 19th century. The phrase is a combination of two idiomatic expressions, “at any moment” and “now.” Over time, the two expressions were merged to form the phrase “(at) any minute (now).”
Meaning in different dictionaries
Different dictionaries define the phrase “(at) any minute (now)” in similar ways. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “very soon; imminently.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “very soon; any moment now.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “very soon, any moment now.”
Associations
The phrase “(at) any minute (now)” is associated with a sense of urgency, anticipation, and unpredictability. It is often used in situations where something important is expected to happen soon, but the exact timing is uncertain.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for the phrase “(at) any minute (now)” include “any moment,” “in a moment,” “soon,” “shortly,” “imminently,” and “momentarily.”
Antonyms
Some antonyms for the phrase “(at) any minute (now)” include “never,” “not ever,” “not now,” “not soon,” and “not imminent.”
The same root words
The phrase “(at) any minute (now)” does not have any root words as it is an idiomatic expression.
Example Sentences
- “I’m expecting a call from my boss at any minute now.”
- “The storm is getting worse, and I’m afraid the power could go out at any minute.”
- “I’m sorry I’m late, but I’ll be there at any minute now.”
- “The baby is due to be born at any minute.”
- “I’m waiting for the results of my test, and they could come in at any minute.”
The phrase “(at) any minute (now)” is a commonly used idiomatic expression that is used to indicate that something is expected to happen soon or very soon. It is a phrase that is often associated with a sense of urgency, anticipation, and unpredictability. The phrase is widely used in everyday conversations, news reports, and literature to express the idea that an event could happen at any moment.