brook no delay

USAGE SUMMARY

"brook no delay" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express urgency or a strong command for someone to take action without wasting time. For example, "The project needs to be finished by the end of the week. Brook no delay!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But Mr Hun Sen says he will brook no delay, and the exiles do not want to be seen to legitimise the coup.

The Economist

It will brook no delay or interference, no discussion of the desirability of acting, and no dissent from its course of action.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If as a defendant, you get your costs budgets in on time and brook no delay by the other side, it can work very much in your favour.

The Guardian

The novel is full of characters who either brook no delay or go full-steam ahead, flinging caution to the wind as if there were no tomorrow.

The Guardian - Books

As written, there's an element of comedy in the scene; the women's request is made just as Theseus and Hippolyta are about to marry, and they will brook no delay.

The New York Times

We shall brook no delay".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

That makes the ECB all the keener to reaffirm its credentials as a doughty inflation-fighter by brooking no delay in raising rates now that its target is being exceeded.Internal politics are also at play.

The Economist

It did not meet the threshold, $3.2m in damage, that would have let it qualify for federal disaster aid.In this section The trade two-step Air pressure The money primary Brooking no DeLay Under starter's orders Self-sufficient Arkansas Live now, pay later Looking for Mr Right ReprintsLocal politicians complained loudly.

The Economist

The 2010 model, in which a high command of negotiators from the two parties made a deal that was agreed within five days, under the real or imagined pressure that the bond markets would brook no further delay, is not a sound model for the future.

The Guardian - Opinion

But they said that defendants, too, were taking pleas they might have refused in the past, knowing the court would brook no more delays — which typically favor the defense — and they would face immediate trial.

The New York Times

What is critical is for the winner of the presidential race, and for the three European nations, to make it urgently and abundantly clear to Iran's president, Mohammad Khatami, and his mullahs that the West will brook no further delays, and that it is serious and united about imposing stern sanctions if Iran won't abandon its nuclear fuel enrichment efforts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brook no delay" when you want to convey a sense of absolute urgency and that any delay will be unacceptable. This phrase is particularly effective in formal or professional settings where decisive action is required.

Common error

Avoid using "brook no delay" in casual conversation. Its formal tone can sound overly assertive or even pompous in informal contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "don't delay" or "act now" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brook no delay" functions as a strong directive or assertion, emphasizing the immediate necessity of action. Ludwig AI confirms this usage in various contexts, indicating its role in conveying urgency and intolerance for any postponement. It's often used to set a firm expectation or command.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brook no delay" is a phrase used to express that no delay will be tolerated. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and best suited for formal contexts where you want to communicate a sense of urgency and command immediate action. While effective in professional settings, it may sound overly assertive in casual conversation. Alternatives such as "tolerate no delay" or "permit no delay" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. The phrase is most commonly found in news media and encyclopedic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tolerate no delay

Replaces "brook" with "tolerate", offering a more common synonym while maintaining the core meaning.

permit no delay

Substitutes "brook" with "permit", another synonym that emphasizes a lack of allowance for delays.

allow no delay

Uses "allow" instead of "brook", making the phrase slightly more accessible while preserving the meaning.

suffer no delay

Employs "suffer" in place of "brook", highlighting the negative consequences of any delay.

accept no delay

Replaces "brook" with "accept", focusing on the unwillingness to acknowledge or accommodate delays.

do not delay

A direct imperative, simplifying the structure while retaining the sense of urgency.

act immediately

Shifts from preventing delay to demanding immediate action, changing the phrasing but keeping the urgency.

without delay

Uses a prepositional phrase to indicate the absence of delay, altering the structure but maintaining the meaning.

prompt action required

Emphasizes the necessity of quick action, diverging structurally but preserving the core message.

no time to lose

Highlights the scarcity of time, indirectly conveying the need to avoid delays.

FAQs

What does "brook no delay" mean?

The phrase "brook no delay" means to not allow or tolerate any delay. It expresses a firm stance against postponement or procrastination.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "brook no delay"?

It's appropriate in situations that require immediate action and where delays are unacceptable. This phrase is more common in formal and professional settings.

Are there any synonyms for "brook no delay"?

Yes, synonyms include "tolerate no delay", "permit no delay", or "allow no delay".

Is "brook no delay" formal or informal?

The phrase is considered formal. Using it in casual conversation might sound overly assertive. Simpler alternatives are generally preferred in informal contexts.