Phrase guide

like the clappers

prep_phrase · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

prep_phrase

Meaning 1

Very hard or very rapidly.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: UK, informal

Qualifier: simile

Examples

  • After hurling their insults, they ran like the clappers to get away.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Partridge says: "Possibly rhyming slang for 'clappers of a bell', 'hell'."

Across languages

Translations

6 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Catalan: a tota llet — very hard or rapidly
  • German: in einem Affentempo — very hard or rapidly
  • German: sehr schnell — very hard or rapidly
  • German: wie die Feuerwehr — very hard or rapidly
  • Spanish: a toda leche — very hard or rapidly
  • Spanish: escopetado — very hard or rapidly