Speed is a universal concept, often depicted in language through vivid idioms. These expressions not only convey velocity but also the urgency or rapid progression in various contexts. Here, we explore 20 idioms that capture the essence of speed, each with a succinct definition and an illustrative example.
Idioms That Describe Speed
1. Quick as a flash
Meaning: Extremely fast.
Example: He ran quick as a flash.
2. Fast as lightning
Meaning: Very quick and sudden.
Example: She answered fast as lightning.
3. Like greased lightning
Meaning: Very fast and smooth.
Example: He moved like greased lightning.
4. In the blink of an eye
Meaning: Happening very quickly.
Example: It was gone in the blink of an eye.
5. Speed of light
Meaning: Incredibly fast.
Example: News traveled at the speed of light.
6. Swift as the wind
Meaning: Very fast.
Example: She runs swift as the wind.
7. Faster than a speeding bullet
Meaning: Extremely fast.
Example: He drove faster than a speeding bullet.
8. Make haste
Meaning: Hurry up.
Example: Make haste to the meeting.
9. On the double
Meaning: Quickly, immediately.
Example: Get here on the double!
10. At full throttle
Meaning: At maximum speed.
Example: He went at full throttle.
11. At breakneck speed
Meaning: Dangerously fast.
Example: Driving at breakneck speed.
12. Burn rubber
Meaning: To drive very fast.
Example: They burned rubber out of there.
13. Hit the ground running
Meaning: Start quickly and energetically.
Example: She hit the ground running.
14. Off to a flying start
Meaning: Started very quickly.
Example: He’s off to a flying start.
15. Pedal to the metal
Meaning: Go as fast as possible.
Example: He put the pedal to the metal.
16. Faster than the wind
Meaning: Extremely fast.
Example: Sailing faster than the wind.
17. Like a bat out of hell
Meaning: Moving very fast and recklessly.
Example: He left like a bat out of hell.
18. Time flies
Meaning: Time passes very quickly.
Example: Time flies when you’re having fun.
19. As quick as a wink
Meaning: Very quickly.
Example: He agreed as quick as a wink.
20. Race against time
Meaning: Do something as fast as possible.
Example: It’s a race against time now.
