The phrasal verb "zip by" is primarily used in informal contexts to describe something happening or someone moving quickly from one place to another, often in a manner that is noticeable but brief. It is commonly used when talking about time passing rapidly, as in "The days just zipped by," or when referring to a person or object that moves past quickly, for example, "She zipped by me on her bike." This expression is relatively casual and is frequently heard in everyday conversations. It conveys a sense of speed and efficiency, emphasizing the rapid and sometimes unexpected passage of time or motion of objects or people. Due to its informal nature, "zip by" is less likely to be found in formal writing or speeches, where more traditional or precise verbs might be preferred.
B1
PreIntermediate
1. To pass by something quickly and often with high speed.
The car zipped by so fast that I couldn't even see the driver.
Time seems to zip by when you're having fun.
We watched the joggers zip by on the trail, each deep in their own pace.
2. To move quickly past someone or something without stopping or pausing.
The cyclist zipped by the pedestrians, barely missing them.