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What is the origin of "in one fell swoop"?

English Language & Usage Asked on February 28, 2021

I know the meaning, but wanted to know the origin of the phrase.

One Answer

Wiktionary says it originated in Shakespeare's MacBeth:

Ro. Wife, Children, Seruants, all that could be found. […]
Macd. […] All my pretty ones?
Did you ſay All? Oh Hell-Kite! All?
What, All my pretty Chickens, and their Damme
At one fell swoope?

Correct answer by user11550 on February 28, 2021

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