split-second

Definitions

1. A stopwatch with two second hands, each of which may be stopped separately to time the intervals of a race by a sportsperson, or to time more than one sportsperson.
   attributive
2. A fraction of a second; hence (figurative, also attributive) a very short time period; an instant, a moment.

Equivalents

Examples

“It's very dangerous, though, when a man thinks for a split⟳ second that he understands death.”

“I was in the gutter, sitting my bike, willing them to die⟳, […] or otherwise obliterated because this demanded split-second timing.”

“It appears [Simon] Cowell has been taking notes from South Korea, as his next talent show⟳ Walk⟳ The Line, coming later this year, has also been game-ified: it will see⟳ singers perform⟳, then have⟳ to make⟳ the split-second decision of whether to take⟳ a cash prize or risk⟳ advancing in the competition instead.”

CEFR level