Without delay
Meaning
To do something immediately and promptly, with no postponement or hesitation.
Origin
Imagine a time when every moment counted, when messages traveled at the pace of a horse or a strong pair of legs. In such an era, the concept of "delay"—a word borrowed from the Old French delaier, meaning to "put off" or "to hinder"—was not just an inconvenience, but a potential disaster. To act "without delay" became a crucial directive, a clear, no-nonsense command to bridge the gap between intent and action instantly. This phrase wasn't born in a specific event; rather, it crystallized from the relentless human need for efficiency, an urgent call echoing through marketplaces, battlefields, and royal courts, demanding immediate response when time was a precious, fleeting commodity.
Examples
- The urgent message required a response without delay, so she composed her email instantly.
- Upon discovering the mistake, the manager instructed his team to correct it without delay.