German word

kurzerhand

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈkʊɐ̯t͡sɐˌhant/

Meaning

  • adverbwithout further ado

Example

Wir beschlossen kurzerhand, ins Kino zu gehen.

We decided, without further ado, to go to the movies.

Illustration for kurzerhand (without further ado)

More examples

Der Chef entließ ihn kurzerhand.

The boss dismissed him summarily.

Core concept

A person closes the discussion and takes the next step before a long plan can develop.

Common phrases

  • jemanden kurzerhand entlassen

    dismiss someone summarily

  • etwas kurzerhand regeln

    handle something straightaway

  • die Sache kurzerhand klären

    resolve the matter without further ado

Similar words

spontan: An action is taken on impulse, without prior planning or preparation.
kurzentschlossen: After a brief decision, action follows with firm resolve.
ohne zu zögern: Action follows without hesitation or second thoughts.
auf der Stelle: An action is carried out immediately, right on the spot.

Definition in German

sofort und entschlossen etwas unternehmen, meist ohne Rücksprache oder lange Vorbereitung.

Word origin

Kurzerhand arose from the older phrase mit kurzer Hand and became a fixed adverb for prompt, decisive action.

Usage tips

  • The word can suggest sudden unilateral initiative, so it may sound stronger than the neutral English 'straightaway' in some contexts.

Other meanings

  • straightawayadverb
  • without hesitationadverb
  • resolutelyadverb

Opposites

  • zögerlichtentativelyadverb
  • abwartendin an expectant manneradverb

Word lists with this word