Swoop in
/swuːp ɪn/
phrasal verbB2phrasal verb - base form
Definition
To "swoop in" means to come quickly and unexpectedly, usually to help, take control, or catch something. It often describes a fast movement like a bird flying down to catch its prey, but people use it for sudden actions in many situations.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
To enter a place quickly and suddenly, often to take control or help
- •The police swooped in to stop the robbery.
- •The rescue team swooped in to save the hikers lost in the forest.
- •Investors swooped in to buy the company’s shares at a low price.
To take advantage of an opportunity quickly before others do
- •She swooped in and got the last ticket to the concert.
- •When the store announced a sale, shoppers swooped in to grab the best deals.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "swoop in" like "go in fast," but with a feeling of surprise and quickness.
- ✓Picture a bird flying high, then suddenly diving down to catch a fish in the water.
- ✓It's the feeling when someone arrives just in time to help or take something before others do.
- ✓Sounds like "swoop in" → imagine a super-fast swoosh sound as someone quickly enters a room.
- ✓Think of superheroes who suddenly appear to save the day—they swoop in just when needed.
- ✓NOT like "walk in" (slow and normal), "swoop in" is very fast and sudden.
- ✓NOT like "arrive" (general coming), "swoop in" is sudden and often with purpose or action.
- ✓NOT like "wait" (stay still), "swoop in" means quick movement or action.
Try Other Words
- •Rush in: to enter quickly (Use when the speed is important but not the smooth or sudden style)
- •Dive in: to start something quickly or suddenly (Use more for starting action, not just moving into a place)
- •Charge in: to enter aggressively and fast (Use when the action is forceful or angry)
- •Move in: to enter a place (Use when the movement is slower or more planned)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "swoop" (to move quickly down through the air) + "in" (direction into a place)
- •Etymology: "swoop" comes from Old English "swāpian," meaning to sweep or move swiftly through the air
- •Historical development: Originally used for birds or objects moving fast through the air; now also used for people or groups acting quickly
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in news, stories, and everyday speech to describe sudden quick actions or arrivals
Reflect & Connect
•When have you seen someone "swoop in" to help or take control in real life? How did it feel?
•Can "swoop in" always be positive, or can it sometimes cause problems? Why?
Fill in the blanks
1.The firefighters ___ swooped in ___ to save the family from the burning house just in time.
2.When the opportunity appeared, she ___ swooped in ___ and took the chance before anyone else.
3.Unlike a slow arrival, the team ___ swooped in ___ quickly and surprised everyone.
4.Investors often ___ swoop in ___ when prices are low to get the best value.
5.The hero ___ swooped in ___ at the last moment to stop the accident from happening.
6.When the store announced discounts, customers ___ swooped in ___ to buy the popular items.
7.Police ___ swooped in ___ after receiving the emergency call, showing fast and sudden action.