noun

der Anhieb, -e

first try · right away

Etwas passiert sofort und ohne Zögern, gleich beim ersten Versuch.

The German word "Anhieb" is a noun meaning "at once," "immediately," or "in one go."

It is made up of
- an (a prefix meaning "on" or "at") and
- Hieb (meaning "stroke" or "blow," often referring to a strike with a weapon like a sword or axe).

So, "Anhieb" originally refers to the very first strike or blow, and figuratively means doing something immediately or in a single attempt.

sofort (immediately)
gleich (right away)
auf Anhieb (idiomatic phrase meaning "right away" or "at the first attempt")

"Anhieb" specifically carries the nuance of "at the first try" or "immediate action from the start," often implying precision or directness.
"Sofort" and "gleich" denote immediacy but without the connotation of the first strike or attempt.

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Er löst das Problem auf Anhieb.noun

He solves the problem on the first try.

Auf Anhieb versteht sie die Antwort.noun

She understands the answer right away.

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