quantum leap
Say it: KWON-tum leep /ˌkwɒntəm ˈliːp/ · noun
What “quantum leap” means
A sudden, dramatic improvement.
More precisely: A sudden, dramatic advance; in physics, an electron's abrupt jump between energy levels, an extremely small change.
When to use it
In enthusiastic everyday or business conversation, for a sudden advance that makes a striking difference.
It can also mean
In physics, it means an abrupt change between allowed energy levels, often extremely small.
Similar words
breakthrough, leap forward, step change
Quick check
A new treatment suddenly turns a previously unmanageable illness into one people can control easily. What kind of advance is that?
an incremental improvement or a quantum leap?
Show the answer
a quantum leap
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