New York minute

American  

noun

Informal.

1. a very short time.

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New York minute British  

noun

1. informal  a very short period of time; instant

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Etymology

Origin of New York minute

C20: from the supposedly fast pace of life in New York

Example Sentences

If she posts about liking a certain BBQ sauce, that sauce will sell out in a New York minute.

From Los Angeles Times

Such is the nature of links golf, and such is the backdrop when the 151st Open begins Thursday with English weather that can change in a New York minute.

From Seattle Times

“I would have been court-martialed in a New York minute,” he said, in a riff on Mr. Trump’s hometown.

From New York Times

In anticipation of Art Basel this week, the city that boasts “a New York minute is a Hong Kong second,” has been getting back up to speed with the rest of the world.

From New York Times

And then suddenly, leads, momentum and a promising postseason vanished in the hockey equivalent of a New York minute.

From Seattle Times