lost in a heartbeat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lost in a heartbeat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that happens very quickly or suddenly, often in the context of emotions or decisions. Example: "She knew she would fall in love with him, lost in a heartbeat the moment their eyes met."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

An entire body of knowledge lost in a heartbeat.

TechCrunch

With Amen Corner, two par-fives reachable in two, and danger and opportunity everywhere, the Masters can be won and lost in a heartbeat.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"We've worked hard to earn the respect, but we could lose it in a heartbeat," Oregon Coach Mike Bellotti said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'd never be comfortable in an environment where you could lose your job in a heartbeat, not for anything you did wrong--but simply because the employer has to downsize," said a visitor recently on the AAAS/Science Careers Discussion Forum.

Science Magazine

In a heartbeat, Celie has lost her song.

The New Yorker

If he gets hurt tomorrow and loses his burst, the Jags would cut him in a heartbeat even though, so far, Jones-Drew has outperformed his contract.

The New York Times

He knows if he loses focus he'll return to who he was in a heartbeat".

The Guardian - Film

"Absolutely, in a heartbeat".

The New York Times

In a heartbeat," he thinks.

The New York Times - Books

"In a heartbeat," one said.

The New York Times

"In a heartbeat," he answered.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lost in a heartbeat" to emphasize the sudden and irreversible nature of a loss or change. It's most impactful when describing emotional, professional, or physical states.

Common error

While appropriate for news and narrative writing, limit its use in highly formal or technical documents where a more neutral tone is preferred. Consider "vanished in an instant" for more neutral tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost in a heartbeat" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate how quickly something was lost. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lost in a heartbeat" is a grammatically sound and vivid way to describe something that vanishes or changes very quickly. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. While predominantly found in news and media contexts, its slightly informal tone means it should be used judiciously in formal writing. Consider alternatives like "vanished in an instant" for more formal situations. Use the phrase to add emphasis and drama to your writing when describing sudden losses or changes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vanished in an instant

Emphasizes the disappearance or loss occurring almost immediately.

gone in a flash

Highlights the speed and suddenness of the loss.

disappeared without a trace

Focuses on the completeness and inexplicability of the disappearance.

lost without delay

Highlights immediacy of being lost.

evaporated quickly

Suggests a rapid and complete disappearance, similar to evaporation.

dissolved immediately

Implies a swift disintegration or fading away.

faded in a second

Emphasizes the rapid decline or disappearance of something.

slipped away instantly

Suggests a subtle but immediate loss or escape.

transitioned suddenly

Focuses on the abruptness of a change or shift.

altered drastically

Highlights the significant and immediate change that occurred.

FAQs

What does it mean to say something was "lost in a heartbeat"?

Saying something was "lost in a heartbeat" means it disappeared or was irretrievable almost immediately. It emphasizes the speed and suddenness of the loss.

How can I use "lost in a heartbeat" in a sentence?

You can use "lost in a heartbeat" to describe a sudden change or disappearance. For example: "His chance at the championship was "lost in a heartbeat" after the penalty."

What are some alternatives to "lost in a heartbeat"?

Alternatives include "vanished in an instant", "gone in a flash", or "disappeared without a trace", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "lost in a heartbeat" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "lost in a heartbeat" is better suited for narrative or journalistic writing. For formal contexts, consider alternatives like "dissolved immediately" or "evaporated quickly" for a more neutral tone.