U

in full swing

verb (used with object), swung, swing·ing.

to cause to move to and fro, sway, or oscillate, as something suspended from above: to swing one’s arms in walking.
to cause to move in alternate directions or in either direction around a fixed point, on an axis, or on a line of support, as a door on hinges.
to move (the hand or something held) with an oscillating or rotary movement: to swing one’s fists; to swing a club around one’s head.
Aeronautics. to pull or turn (a propeller) by hand, especially in order to start the engine.
to turn in a new direction in a curve, as if around a central point: to swing the car into the driveway.
to suspend so as to hang freely, as a hammock or a door.
Informal. to influence or win over; manage or arrange as desired: to swing votes; to swing a business deal.
to direct, change, or shift (one’s interest, opinion, support, etc.).
to turn (a ship or aircraft) to various headings in order to check compass deviation.

verb (used without object), swung, swing·ing.

to move or sway to and fro, as a pendulum or other suspended object.
to move to and fro in a swing, as for recreation.
to move in alternate directions or in either direction around a point, an axis, or a line of support, as a gate on its hinges.
to move in a curve, as around a corner or central point: The highway swings to the east.
to move with a free, swaying motion, as soldiers on the march.
to be suspended so as to hang freely, as a bell or hammock.
to move by grasping a support with the hands and drawing up the arms or using the momentum of the swaying body: a monkey swinging through trees.
to change or shift one’s attention, interest, opinion, condition, etc.: He swung from mere indifference to outright scorn.
to hit at someone or something, with the hand or something grasped in the hand: The batter swung and struck out.
Slang.
1. to be characterized by a modern, lively atmosphere: Las Vegas swings all year.
2. to be stylish, trendy, hip, etc., especially in pursuing enjoyment.
3. to engage uninhibitedly in sexual activity.
4. (of married couples) to exchange partners for sexual activity.
Informal. to suffer death by hanging: He’ll swing for the crime.

noun

the act, manner, or progression of swinging; movement in alternate directions or in a particular direction.
the amount or extent of such movement: to correct the swing of a pendulum.
a curving movement or course.
a moving of the body with a free, swaying motion, as in walking.
a blow or stroke with the hand or an object grasped in the hands: His swing drove the ball over the fence.
a change or shift in attitude, opinion, behavior, etc.
a steady, marked rhythm or movement, as of verse or music.
a regular upward or downward movement in the price of a commodity or of a security, or in any business activity.
Informal.
1. a work period coming between the regular day and night shifts.
2. a change by a group of workers from working one shift to working another.
freedom of action: to have free swing in carrying out a project.
active operation; progression: to get into the swing of things.
something that is swung or that swings.
a seat suspended from above by means of a loop of rope or between ropes or rods, on which one may sit and swing to and fro for recreation.
the maximum diameter of the work machinable in a certain lathe or other machine tool.

adjective

of or relating to a swing.
capable of determining the outcome, as of an election; deciding, as in swing vote; swing voter.
designed or constructed to permit swinging or hanging.
acting to relieve other workers when needed, as at night.

Idioms

in full swing, operating at the highest speed or level of activity; in full operation: Automobile production is in full swing.
swing round the circle, to tour an area on a political campaign.
take a swing at, to strike or attempt to strike with the fist: to take a swing at a rude waiter.

verb swings, swinging or swung

to move or cause to move rhythmically to and fro, as a free-hanging object; sway
(intr) to move, walk, etc, with a relaxed and swaying motion
to pivot or cause to pivot, as on a hinge
to move or cause to move in a curvethe car swung around the bend
to move or cause to move by suspending or being suspended
to hang or be hung so as to be able to turn freely
(intr) slang to be hangedhe’ll swing for it
to alter or cause to alter habits, a course, etc
(tr) informal to influence or manipulate successfullyI hope he can swing the deal
(tr foll by up) to raise or hoist, esp in a sweeping motion
(intr often foll by at) to hit out or strike (at), esp with a sweeping motion
(tr) to wave (a weapon, etc) in a sweeping motion; flourish
to arrange or play (music) with the rhythmically flexible and compulsive quality associated with jazz
(intr) (of popular music, esp jazz, or of the musicians who play it) to have this quality
slang to be lively and modern
(intr) slang to swap sexual partners in a group, esp habitually
(intr) cricket to bowl (a ball) with swing or (of a ball) to move with a swing
to turn (a ship or aircraft) in order to test compass error
swing both ways slang to enjoy sexual partners of both sexes
swing the lead informal to malinger or make up excuses

noun

the act or manner of swinging or the distance covered while swinginga wide swing
a sweeping stroke or blow
boxing a wide punch from the side similar to but longer than a hook
cricket the lateral movement of a bowled ball through the air
any free-swaying motion
any curving movement; sweep
something that swings or is swung, esp a suspended seat on which a person may sit and swing back and forth
1. a kind of popular dance music influenced by jazz, usually played by big bands and originating in the 1930s
2. (as modifier)swing music
See swingbeat
prosody a steady distinct rhythm or cadence in prose or verse
informal the normal round or paceget into the swing of things
1. a fluctuation, as in some business activity, voting pattern etc
2. (as modifier)able to bring about a swing in a voting patternswing party
3. (as modifier)having a mixed voting history, and thus becoming a target for political election campaignersa swing state
US informal free scope; freedom of activity
mainly US a circular tour
Canadian a tour of a particular area or region
Canadian (in the North) a train of freight sleighs or canoes
go with a swing to go well; be successful
in full swing at the height of activity
swings and roundabouts equal advantages and disadvantages

Old English swingan “to rush, fling oneself,” from Proto-Germanic *swenganan (cf. Old Saxon, Old High German swingan, Old Frisian swinga, German schwingen “to swing, swingle, oscillate”) denoting “violent circulatory motion.” The meaning “move freely back and forth” is first recorded 1540s. Related: Swung; swinging. Swing shift first recorded 1941, typically 4 p.m. to midnight.

late 14c., “a stroke with a weapon,” from swing (v.). Sense of “an apparatus that swings” is first recorded 1680s. Meaning “shift of public opinion” is from 1899. The meaning “variety of big dance-band music with a swinging rhythm” is first recorded 1933, though the sense has been traced back to 1888; its heyday was from mid-30s to mid-40s. Phrase in full swing “in total effect or operation” (1560s) probably is from bell-ringing.

A kind of jazz generally played by a “Big Band” and characterized by a lively rhythm suitable for dancing. The bands of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, and Glenn Miller played swing.

Also, in full cry. In full operation, at the highest level of activity. For example, After the strike it would be some time before production was in full swing, or His supporters were out in full cry. The first expression, dating from the mid-1800s, alludes to the vigorous movement of a swinging body. The second employs full cry in the sense of “vigorous pursuit,” a usage dating from the late 1500s that may be dying out.

In addition to the idiom beginning with swing

swing into action

also see:

get into the swing of things
in full swing
not enough room to swing a car