swing

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to change quickly from one opinion, mood, or state to another.

v. to fluctuate or shift significantly between different states, opinions, or conditions.

“His mood can swing from happy to angry in just a few seconds.”

“Public opinion began to swing toward the opposition party as the economic crisis deepened throughout the winter months.”

C1 · Advanced Informal

v. to successfully arrange or afford something, especially when it is difficult.

v. to manage to achieve or arrange something through effort or cleverness; often used regarding financial feasibility.

“I am not sure if I can swing a trip to Hawaii this year on my current budget.”

“If we can swing an early meeting with the director, we might secure the funding before the end of the fiscal year.”

A2 · Elementary Countable noun

n. a seat hanging from ropes or chains that you sit on to move back and forth.

n. a suspended seat on which a person may sit and move to and fro for recreation.

“The little girl asked her father to push her higher on the swing.”

“The playground was deserted, with only a single empty swing moving gently in the breeze.”

B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun Music

n. a type of jazz music with a bouncy rhythm, or the dance people do to it.

n. a style of jazz characterized by a propulsive rhythm and 'swung' notes; also the associated partner dance.

“The band played classic swing music that made everyone want to get up and dance.”

“The revival of swing in the late nineties brought a new generation of dancers to the ballrooms of London and New York.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Politics

n. a big change in a situation, especially in how people vote.

n. a discernible shift in public opinion or electoral support from one party or candidate to another.

“There was a massive swing toward the Green Party in the local elections.”

“Political analysts were surprised by the ten-percent swing in the rural districts, which ultimately decided the outcome of the national election.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Theater Technical

n. a performer who learns many different roles so they can replace anyone who is sick.

n. a member of the company who understudies several ensemble roles and is prepared to perform any of them on short notice.

“The swing had to go on stage tonight because three ensemble members were ill.”

“Being a swing is one of the most demanding jobs in musical theatre, requiring the performer to memorize multiple tracks and blocking patterns.”

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Sports Technical

n. the way a ball moves to the side through the air after it is thrown or hit.

n. the lateral movement of a ball through the air, typically achieved by specific bowling or striking techniques.

“The bowler got a lot of swing on the ball because of the humid weather.”

“The pitcher's ability to generate late swing made it nearly impossible for the batters to make solid contact with the ball.”