In the United States, people use all kinds of sayings to describe how fast something happens. These are called idioms. Idioms are phrases that don’t mean exactly what the words say. Instead, they have a special meaning that people understand from how they are used.
When Americans talk about things happening quickly, they often use fun and colorful phrases. You might hear someone say, “in the blink of an eye” or “like greased lightning.” These sayings help make conversations more interesting and clear. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common idioms about speed that you might hear in daily life around the USA. They are easy to understand, and you’ll even get to try a quiz at the end to test what you’ve learned.
Idioms About Speed
1. Like a bat out of hell
Meaning: Very fast or wild
Example Sentence:
– He ran out of the room like a bat out of hell.
– The car sped down the road like a bat out of hell.
Other ways to say: Like lightning, like a rocket
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom likely comes from the image of a bat escaping something scary or dangerous.
Usage: Used when someone or something moves quickly and out of control.
2. In the blink of an eye
Meaning: Very quickly
Example Sentence:
– The deer ran off in the blink of an eye.
– The power went out in the blink of an eye.
Other ways to say: In a flash, instantly
Fun Fact/Origin: Blinking takes less than a second, so this idiom shows how fast something happens.
Usage: Often used to show surprise at how fast something happened.
3. Quick as a flash
Meaning: Very fast
Example Sentence:
– He answered the question quick as a flash.
– She grabbed her phone quick as a flash.
Other ways to say: In a split second, like lightning
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the speed of lightning or camera flashes.
Usage: Used to describe fast reactions or actions.
4. Like greased lightning
Meaning: Extremely fast
Example Sentence:
– That sports car moves like greased lightning.
– She cleaned the kitchen like greased lightning.
Other ways to say: Like a jet, super fast
Fun Fact/Origin: Greased objects are slippery and move faster.
Usage: Often used for cars or people doing tasks quickly.
5. At a snail’s pace
Meaning: Very slow
Example Sentence:
– The traffic moved at a snail’s pace.
– He walked to class at a snail’s pace.
Other ways to say: Super slow, like molasses
Fun Fact/Origin: Snails are known for moving very slowly.
Usage: Used when something feels too slow.
6. At full speed
Meaning: As fast as possible
Example Sentence:
– The train moved at full speed.
– He typed his report at full speed.
Other ways to say: All out, top speed
Fun Fact/Origin: Used often in sports and travel.
Usage: Describes someone or something moving at their fastest.
7. In no time
Meaning: Very soon or quickly
Example Sentence:
– We finished dinner in no time.
– She solved the puzzle in no time.
Other ways to say: Before you know it, in a flash
Fun Fact/Origin: Suggests something happens so fast that time feels like it didn’t pass.
Usage: Common in conversations about quick tasks.
8. Like a shot
Meaning: Very fast
Example Sentence:
– He was out the door like a shot.
– The dog ran like a shot when it heard the gate open.
Other ways to say: Fast as a bullet, like a flash
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from how fast bullets move.
Usage: Often used for quick actions or exits.
9. In a heartbeat
Meaning: Right away, without delay
Example Sentence:
– I’d help you in a heartbeat.
– She said yes in a heartbeat.
Other ways to say: Right away, instantly
Fun Fact/Origin: A heartbeat is less than a second, showing quick action.
Usage: Shows willingness or fast decision-making.
10. At lightning speed
Meaning: Extremely fast
Example Sentence:
– The software loads at lightning speed.
– They built that shed at lightning speed.
Other ways to say: Fast as lightning, blazing speed
Fun Fact/Origin: Lightning is one of the fastest things in nature.
Usage: Used for anything impressively quick.
11. Faster than you can say Jack Robinson
Meaning: Very quickly
Example Sentence:
– She was gone faster than you can say Jack Robinson.
– He finished the test faster than you can say Jack Robinson.
Other ways to say: In a snap, super quick
Fun Fact/Origin: Jack Robinson was a fictional name used in old stories to represent something quick.
Usage: Used in playful or joking ways about fast action.
12. In record time
Meaning: Faster than ever before
Example Sentence:
– They cleaned the park in record time.
– He ran the mile in record time.
Other ways to say: Best time, fastest ever
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from breaking official speed records.
Usage: Common in sports or competitions.
13. Like the wind
Meaning: Very fast
Example Sentence:
– She ran like the wind.
– The bike zoomed by like the wind.
Other ways to say: Like a breeze, swift
Fun Fact/Origin: Wind moves quickly, often unseen.
Usage: Used for people or things moving quickly and smoothly.
14. Before you know it
Meaning: Sooner than expected
Example Sentence:
– Summer will be here before you know it.
– He finished the book before you know it.
Other ways to say: In no time, real quick
Fun Fact/Origin: Used to show time passes faster than we feel.
Usage: Common in daily talk about surprises or time passing.
15. Like a rocket
Meaning: Very fast and straight
Example Sentence:
– He ran down the hall like a rocket.
– The ball flew like a rocket.
Other ways to say: Like a missile, zoomed
Fun Fact/Origin: Rockets launch at extreme speeds.
Usage: Often used in sports or racing.
16. At breakneck speed
Meaning: Dangerously fast
Example Sentence:
– The car raced at breakneck speed.
– He biked downhill at breakneck speed.
Other ways to say: Too fast, risky speed
Fun Fact/Origin: Breakneck means likely to cause injury from being too fast.
Usage: Shows concern about unsafe speed.
17. As quick as a bunny
Meaning: Very fast
Example Sentence:
– She jumped up as quick as a bunny.
– The kid dashed off as quick as a bunny.
Other ways to say: Like a rabbit, super fast
Fun Fact/Origin: Bunnies hop fast and are hard to catch.
Usage: Popular in kid-friendly talk.
18. Like a New York minute
Meaning: Extremely fast
Example Sentence:
– In a New York minute, he changed his mind.
– She packed her bag in a New York minute.
Other ways to say: Instantly, very fast
Fun Fact/Origin: Based on the fast-paced life in New York City.
Usage: Used when things happen very quickly.
19. As fast as your legs can carry you
Meaning: As quickly as possible
Example Sentence:
– He ran home as fast as his legs could carry him.
– She dashed to class as fast as her legs could carry her.
Other ways to say: At full speed, as fast as possible
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to the natural speed someone can run.
Usage: Used for fast movement, often to escape or hurry.
20. Speed demon
Meaning: A person who loves to go fast
Example Sentence:
– He’s a real speed demon behind the wheel.
– Don’t be a speed demon on your bike.
Other ways to say: Fast driver, speed lover
Fun Fact/Origin: “Demon” adds flair, showing a love for extreme speed.
Usage: Often used about driving fast.
21. In a flash
Meaning: Very quickly
Example Sentence:
– She was done in a flash.
– The storm passed in a flash.
Other ways to say: Instantly, like that
Fun Fact/Origin: A flash is fast like lightning or a photo click.
Usage: Common in everyday talk for speed.
22. Make a quick getaway
Meaning: Leave quickly, often to avoid something
Example Sentence:
– The kids made a quick getaway after the prank.
– He made a quick getaway from the crowd.
Other ways to say: Sneak off fast, exit quickly
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used in stories or crime shows.
Usage: Describes fast exits.
23. Burning rubber
Meaning: Driving very fast
Example Sentence:
– He burned rubber leaving the parking lot.
– That car burns rubber like it’s in a race.
Other ways to say: Zooming off, speeding
Fun Fact/Origin: Fast cars make tire marks or “burn rubber.”
Usage: Often about cars or motorcycles.
24. At warp speed
Meaning: Extremely fast
Example Sentence:
– He typed at warp speed.
– They worked at warp speed to finish.
Other ways to say: Like a rocket, very fast
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from science fiction like Star Trek.
Usage: Used to exaggerate speed in a fun way.
25. Quick off the mark
Meaning: Fast to start
Example Sentence:
– She was quick off the mark in the spelling bee.
– He’s quick off the mark when asked questions.
Other ways to say: Fast starter, alert
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from races where runners start at a mark.
Usage: Describes people who respond or act fast.
26. Zipping along
Meaning: Moving quickly
Example Sentence:
– The boat was zipping along the lake.
– She zipped along the sidewalk on her scooter.
Other ways to say: Flying by, speeding along
Fun Fact/Origin: “Zip” sounds like something moving fast.
Usage: Describes fast and smooth movement.
27. Hit the ground running
Meaning: Start quickly and with energy
Example Sentence:
– He hit the ground running on his first day of work.
– She hit the ground running after summer break.
Other ways to say: Get a fast start, jump right in
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from soldiers jumping out of planes ready to go.
Usage: Used for people starting jobs or projects quickly.
28. Step on it
Meaning: Hurry up
Example Sentence:
– We’re late! Step on it!
– He told the driver to step on it.
Other ways to say: Hurry, move faster
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from pressing the gas pedal in a car.
Usage: Common in American driving talk.
29. Be in a rush
Meaning: Hurry or move fast
Example Sentence:
– I’m in a rush to get to school.
– She was in a rush and forgot her lunch.
Other ways to say: In a hurry, running late
Fun Fact/Origin: Used to show urgency.
Usage: Everyday use for time pressure.
30. Like wildfire
Meaning: Spreads very fast
Example Sentence:
– The news spread like wildfire.
– Her video went viral like wildfire.
Other ways to say: Super fast, widespread
Fun Fact/Origin: Wildfires spread fast in dry forests.
Usage: Used for news, gossip, or online trends.
31. Make tracks
Meaning: Leave quickly
Example Sentence:
– It’s getting late, so we better make tracks.
– They made tracks before the storm hit.
Other ways to say: Take off, get going
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from leaving footprints quickly.
Usage: Used when someone leaves in a hurry.
32. In a jiffy
Meaning: Very soon or quickly
Example Sentence:
– I’ll be there in a jiffy.
– Dinner will be ready in a jiffy.
Other ways to say: In a moment, really soon
Fun Fact/Origin: Jiffy used to mean a short amount of time in science.
Usage: Friendly way to say “quickly.”
33. Be on the fast track
Meaning: Moving quickly toward success
Example Sentence:
– He’s on the fast track to a promotion.
– She’s on the fast track to finishing college early.
Other ways to say: Moving ahead quickly, speeding up success
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from fast lanes on highways or business growth.
Usage: Often about careers or life goals.
34. As fast as lightning
Meaning: Extremely fast
Example Sentence:
– The answer came as fast as lightning.
– The rabbit ran as fast as lightning.
Other ways to say: Like a flash, super quick
Fun Fact/Origin: Lightning travels very fast — over 200,000 mph.
Usage: Used for surprising or sharp speed.
35. Race against the clock
Meaning: Trying to finish something before time runs out
Example Sentence:
– They were in a race against the clock to finish the project.
– It was a race against the clock to get to school on time.
Other ways to say: Beat the clock, time crunch
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from timed races or tests.
Usage: Often about deadlines.
36. Beat a hasty retreat
Meaning: Leave quickly to avoid trouble
Example Sentence:
– When the dog barked, he beat a hasty retreat.
– The kids beat a hasty retreat after spilling the juice.
Other ways to say: Get out fast, run away
Fun Fact/Origin: “Retreat” means to move away, often in battle.
Usage: Used in funny or risky situations.
37. High-speed chase
Meaning: A fast car pursuit, often by police
Example Sentence:
– The news showed a high-speed chase on the freeway.
– He was caught after a high-speed chase.
Other ways to say: Fast pursuit, speeding chase
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in police reports or TV shows in the USA.
Usage: Describes dangerous car chases.
38. Quick as a wink
Meaning: Very fast
Example Sentence:
– He was done quick as a wink.
– She smiled and was gone quick as a wink.
Other ways to say: In a flash, just like that
Fun Fact/Origin: Winking is a short eye movement.
Usage: Used for playful speed.
39. Speed through
Meaning: Finish something quickly
Example Sentence:
– He sped through his homework.
– They sped through cleaning the house.
Other ways to say: Rush through, go fast
Fun Fact/Origin: “Speed” used as a verb means to go fast.
Usage: Used when tasks are done quickly.
40. Whip through
Meaning: Do something quickly and easily
Example Sentence:
– She whipped through the quiz.
– He whipped through his chores.
Other ways to say: Fly through, breeze through
Fun Fact/Origin: “Whip” gives the sense of fast movement.
Usage: Used when tasks are done fast and well.
41. On the double
Meaning: Right away, without delay
Example Sentence:
– Get to class on the double!
– He left on the double after the call.
Other ways to say: Immediately, now
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from military language.
Usage: Shows urgency or orders.
42. In a split second
Meaning: Extremely fast
Example Sentence:
– It all happened in a split second.
– He turned away in a split second.
Other ways to say: In an instant, blink and it’s gone
Fun Fact/Origin: A split second is less than a second — super fast.
Usage: Used for sudden or surprising events.
43. Hightail it
Meaning: Run or leave quickly
Example Sentence:
– They hightailed it out of the park when it started raining.
– He hightailed it home after curfew.
Other ways to say: Dash off, hurry away
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from animals raising their tails when running.
Usage: Common in American speech.
44. Bolt out
Meaning: Leave suddenly and quickly
Example Sentence:
– The cat bolted out the door.
– She bolted out when she heard the bell.
Other ways to say: Dash out, run off
Fun Fact/Origin: “Bolt” also means lightning, which is fast.
Usage: Used when someone leaves in a rush.
45. Fly by
Meaning: Time passes quickly
Example Sentence:
– The weekend flew by.
– Time flies by when you’re having fun.
Other ways to say: Rush past, slip away
Fun Fact/Origin: Imagining time as something with wings.
Usage: Common in everyday talk about time.
Quiz: Idioms About Speed
Instructions: Choose the best meaning or use of each idiom. Pick the answer that makes the most sense. This quiz is based on sayings people in the USA use to talk about things happening fast or slow.
Question Key
1. What does “in the blink of an eye” mean?
a) Very slowly
b) Very quickly
c) Not at all
2. If someone “burns rubber,” what are they doing?
a) Making a fire
b) Driving slowly
c) Driving very fast
3. What does “like greased lightning” mean?
a) Very fast
b) Very loud
c) Very heavy
4. When someone says “step on it,” what do they mean?
a) Step on a bug
b) Slow down
c) Hurry up
5. “At a snail’s pace” means:
a) Very slowly
b) Just right
c) Quickly
6. If time “flies by,” what does that mean?
a) Time moves slowly
b) Time moves very fast
c) Time stops
7. What does “in a jiffy” mean?
a) Later today
b) Quickly
c) Never
8. If someone “hits the ground running,” what are they doing?
a) Starting strong and fast
b) Falling down
c) Giving up early
9. “Like a rocket” means something is:
a) Hard to find
b) Very fast
c) About to break
10. What does it mean to “make tracks”?
a) Walk in the mud
b) Leave quickly
c) Fix the road
11. If news spreads “like wildfire,” how fast does it go?
a) Very slowly
b) Not at all
c) Very fast
12. “On the double” means:
a) Right away
b) Later
c) At half speed
13. “Quick off the mark” means a person is:
a) Very late
b) Slow to act
c) Fast to begin
14. “High-speed chase” is mostly used when:
a) Talking about homework
b) Police follow someone driving fast
c) Someone is jogging
15. If someone “bolts out” of a room, what do they do?
a) Leave slowly
b) Stay still
c) Leave very fast
Answer Key
- b) Very quickly
- c) Driving very fast
- a) Very fast
- c) Hurry up
- a) Very slowly
- b) Time moves very fast
- b) Quickly
- a) Starting strong and fast
- b) Very fast
- b) Leave quickly
- c) Very fast
- a) Right away
- c) Fast to begin
- b) Police follow someone driving fast
- c) Leave very fast
Wrapping Up
Speed idioms are fun ways people in the USA talk about how fast things happen. Whether you’re zipping through a game or rushing to catch the bus, these sayings help you describe those moments. They make talking about time and motion more colorful and easier to understand.
Now that you’ve seen 45 idioms and taken the quiz, you’re better at spotting and using these fast phrases. Keep listening for them in everyday speech, on TV, or in books. The more you hear them, the faster you’ll learn.
