2swing noun
plural swings 1 [count] a : an act of moving something with a quick, sweeping motion : an act of swinging a bat, fist, etc.
▪ One swing of the hammer was all it took to drive the nail through the board. ▪ She needs to work on her (golf) swing. [=she needs to practice the way she swings a golf club] ▪ He took a swing at the pitch. [=he swung at the pitch; tried to hit the ball with his bat] ▪ Some drunk took a swing at me. [=tried to hit me]
b : the movement of something that swings backward and forward or from side to side
▪ the swing of a pendulum 2 [count] : a usually sudden change from one state or condition to another
▪ upward/downward swings in the stock market ▪ She couldn't deal with his unpredictable mood swings. [=changes in his mood] 3 [count] : a seat that hangs from ropes or chains and that moves back and forth
▪ The kids were playing on the swings. ▪ We sat on the porch swing and watched the neighbors. — see picture at playground 4 [noncount] : a style of jazz music that has a lively rhythm and that is played mostly for dancing
▪ One swing of the hammer was all it took to drive the nail through the board. ▪ She needs to work on her (golf) swing. [=she needs to practice the way she swings a golf club] ▪ He took a swing at the pitch. [=he swung at the pitch; tried to hit the ball with his bat] ▪ Some drunk took a swing at me. [=tried to hit me]
b : the movement of something that swings backward and forward or from side to side
▪ the swing of a pendulum
▪ upward/downward swings in the stock market ▪ She couldn't deal with his unpredictable mood swings. [=changes in his mood]
▪ The kids were playing on the swings. ▪ We sat on the porch swing and watched the neighbors. — see picture at playground
go with a swing
Brit, informal : to be lively and enjoyable
▪ What a great party! It really went with a swing!
▪ What a great party! It really went with a swing!
in full swing
: at the highest level of activity
▪ Work on the project is in full swing. ▪ The party was in full swing by the time we arrived.
▪ Work on the project is in full swing. ▪ The party was in full swing by the time we arrived.
in/into the swing of
informal : fully involved and comfortable with (a regular activity, process, etc.)
▪ After a while, she got into the swing of her job. [=she got used to her job and was able to do it well] ▪ I've been away on vacation but I should be (back) in the swing of things in a few days.
▪ After a while, she got into the swing of her job. [=she got used to her job and was able to do it well] ▪ I've been away on vacation but I should be (back) in the swing of things in a few days.
swings and roundabouts
Brit, informal — used to say that two choices or situations are basically the same because they have an equal number of advantages and disadvantages ▪ It is a case of swings and roundabouts.
