“Stay right there. I’ll be back in a jiffy.” I wonder how many parents have said that to a child. Or how many spouses have said that to one another. They don’t want the person to move. They will return quickly

In a jiffy means in a short amount of time.

 Closely related to immediately, if not sooner, in a jiffy can refer to:

• The speed of a person’s work (“I will finish this in a jiffy.”)
• How long a person will be gone (“I will return in a jiffy.”)
• The promise of good service (“Your waiter will be with you in a jiffy.)
• No delay of any kind

In today’s world of instant gratification, people expect almost everything in a jiffy.

No one wants to wait. Patience remains in short supply.

However, much in life is better with time.

• Fresh fruit and vegetables need time to ripen.
• People need time to learn.
• Research requires time for accuracy.

In these and other instances, haste makes waste.

Speed is often necessary. However, rather than rush, people usually do well to take one step at a time.

“If we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently” (Romans 8:25 NIV).

Thanks to Liz Gray for the suggestion.

Do you have an expression you want explained? If so, please comment below.

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