50 Idioms for Very Fast (Meanings)

Idioms are fun phrases where the words together mean something entirely different from what the words say by themselves. People use them in daily chats and stories to make conversations much more colorful and exciting. In this lesson, you will learn fifty handy idioms that relate to moving very fast and acting with great speed.

In this lesson, we’ll look at idioms that mean rushing quickly and traveling at high speeds. Let’s get started and explore some of these helpful expressions.

Idioms for Very Fast

1. Like greased lightning

Definition: Moving with extreme speed and zero hesitation.

Used in a Sentence: The runner dashed across the finish line like greased lightning. / My cat chased the toy mouse across the floor like greased lightning.

Similar Expressions: Extremely fast / In a flash

2. In the blink of an eye

Definition: Happening extremely fast, almost instantly.

Used in a Sentence: The magic trick made the coin disappear in the blink of an eye. / Recess time flew by in the blink of an eye.

Similar Expressions: Very quickly / Instantly

3. In a flash

Definition: Occurring with extreme speed and no delay.

Used in a Sentence: The superhero ran across the playground in a flash. / Mom fixed my broken toy train in a flash.

Similar Expressions: Instantly / Rapidly

4. Quick as a wink

Definition: Done with amazing speed and zero waiting time.

Used in a Sentence: The squirrel grabbed the nut and ran up the tree quick as a wink. / She solved the easy puzzle quick as a wink.

Similar Expressions: Super fast / In a moment

5. On the double

Definition: Moving or working as fast as possible without delay.

Used in a Sentence: The coach told the players to line up on the double. / We had to pack our art supplies on the double before the bell.

Similar Expressions: Hurry up / Very fast

6. Faster than a speeding bullet

Definition: Moving with incredible, unbelievable speed.

Used in a Sentence: The cartoon superhero flew across the screen faster than a speeding bullet. / My brother’s new toy race car went down the track faster than a speeding bullet.

Similar Expressions: Extremely fast / Blazing speed

7. At the speed of light

Definition: Moving as fast as physically possible without any delay.

Used in a Sentence: Information travels across the internet at the speed of light. / The playful puppy ran across the yard at the speed of light.

Similar Expressions: Extremely fast / Instantly

8. Like a shot

Definition: Moving or reacting instantly when given a command.

Used in a Sentence: When the whistle blew, the runners took off like a shot. / My dog came running like a shot when I shook his treat jar.

Similar Expressions: Instantly / Very fast

9. At breakneck speed

Definition: Moving so fast that it feels dangerous or reckless.

Used in a Sentence: The bicycle raced down the hill at breakneck speed. / Do not run down the school hallway at breakneck speed.

Similar Expressions: Extremely fast / Dangerous speed

10. Quick as lightning

Definition: Happening with the incredible speed of a thunder flash.

Used in a Sentence: The frog caught the bug with its tongue quick as lightning. / He solved the riddle quick as lightning.

Similar Expressions: Super fast / Instantly

11. In nothing flat

Definition: Completing a task in an extremely short amount of time.

Used in a Sentence: He ate his bowl of cereal in nothing flat. / We built the Lego tower in nothing flat.

Similar Expressions: Very quickly / Instantly

12. At full tilt

Definition: Operating or moving at maximum speed without slowing down.

Used in a Sentence: The ceiling fan spun at full tilt to cool down the classroom. / The toy train raced around the track at full tilt.

Similar Expressions: Maximum speed / Full speed

13. Like wildfire

Definition: Spreading or happening instantly across a large group.

Used in a Sentence: The news about the class party spread like wildfire among students. / The fun playground game caught on like wildfire.

Similar Expressions: Spreading fast / Instantly popular

14. At a clip

Definition: Moving along at a fast and steady pace.

Used in a Sentence: We walked along the hiking trail at a good clip. / The writer typed out her story at a fast clip.

Similar Expressions: Fast pace / Quickly

15. Double-quick

Definition: Moving at twice the normal speed to get something done now.

Used in a Sentence: Pack your school bags double-quick so we can leave. / The helper cleaned the table double-quick.

Similar Expressions: Very fast / Hurriedly

16. Headlong

Definition: Moving forward with great speed and reckless haste.

Used in a Sentence: The happy puppy ran headlong into the pile of autumn leaves. / Do not rush headlong down the stairs or you might trip.

Similar Expressions: Rushing fast / Headfirst

17. At a gallop

Definition: Moving very fast as if running at full speed.

Used in a Sentence: The horses ran across the meadow at a gallop. / He rushed through his chores at a gallop so he could play.

Similar Expressions: Rapidly moving / Running fast

18. Swiftly

Definition: Moving or acting with speed and promptness.

Used in a Sentence: The river water flowed swiftly after the heavy morning rain. / She moved swiftly to catch the bouncing tennis ball.

Similar Expressions: Rapidly / Quickly

19. In short order

Definition: Accomplishing a task quickly and without wasting time.

Used in a Sentence: We finished cleaning up the classroom toys in short order. / The mechanic fixed our broken bicycle tire in short order.

Similar Expressions: Very quickly / Rapidly

20. Whiplash speed

Definition: Moving so fast that it causes sudden head turns.

Used in a Sentence: The race car zoomed past the stands at whiplash speed. / She completed her homework at whiplash speed.

Similar Expressions: Extreme speed / Blazing pace

21. Burning rubber

Definition: Driving away or running extremely fast.

Used in a Sentence: The race cars started burning rubber as the green flag waved. / He left the playground burning rubber to catch the bus.

Similar Expressions: Speeding off / Fast acceleration

22. Swift as an arrow

Definition: Flying or running forward with straight, incredible speed.

Used in a Sentence: The toy rocket shot into the sky swift as an arrow. / The basketball zipped through the air swift as an arrow.

Similar Expressions: Direct and fast / Rapid flight

23. Quick as a flash

Definition: Occurring in an instant with zero delay.

Used in a Sentence: The camera captured the smile quick as a flash. / He answered the math question quick as a flash.

Similar Expressions: Instantaneous / Super fast

24. Flying on the wings of the wind

Definition: Moving with the extreme speed of a strong gust.

Used in a Sentence: The sailing boat moved across the lake flying on the wings of the wind. / The kite soared upward flying on the wings of the wind.

Similar Expressions: Wind speed / Fast movement

25. Speed demon

Definition: Someone who loves moving or driving very fast.

Used in a Sentence: My brother is a speed demon when riding his bicycle down the hill. / Do not be a speed demon on your scooter near the street.

Similar Expressions: Fast racer / Speed lover

26. Like a bat out of hell

Definition: Moving away with terrifying and uncontrolled speed.

Used in a Sentence: The frightened rabbit dashed across the lawn like a bat out of hell. / When the bell rang, the kids ran outside like a bat out of hell.

Similar Expressions: Racing furiously / Extreme speed

27. Zipping along

Definition: Moving forward smoothly and at a high speed.

Used in a Sentence: Our train was zipping along the tracks toward the city. / The toy remote car was zipping along the pavement.

Similar Expressions: Moving fast / Cruising quickly

28. Whizzing past

Definition: Moving by so fast that you only hear a sound blur.

Used in a Sentence: The red race cars kept whizzing past the grandstands. / Bicycles kept whizzing past us on the bike path.

Similar Expressions: Racing by / Zooming past

29. Zooming ahead

Definition: Pulling into the lead with high speed.

Used in a Sentence: The blue runner started zooming ahead on the final lap. / Our team is zooming ahead in the trivia competition.

Similar Expressions: Racing forward / Advancing fast

30. Blazing a trail

Definition: Moving so fast that you lead the way for everyone else.

Used in a Sentence: The champion skater was blazing a trail across the ice rink. / She is blazing a trail in mathematics with her fast answers.

Similar Expressions: Leading fast / Pioneering quickly

31. Tearing down the track

Definition: Running or driving at maximum speed on a course.

Used in a Sentence: The runners were tearing down the track during the relay race. / The toy trains were tearing down the wooden track.

Similar Expressions: Racing fast / Sprinting hard

32. Moving at warp speed

Definition: Traveling with fictional or extreme futuristic speed.

Used in a Sentence: The spaceship in the movie traveled at warp speed through the stars. / Cleaning my room felt like working at warp speed.

Similar Expressions: Extreme speed / Ultra fast

33. Sprinting like the wind

Definition: Running with maximum athletic speed.

Used in a Sentence: He was sprinting like the wind to catch the soccer ball before it went out. / The dog started sprinting like the wind after the tennis ball.

Similar Expressions: Running fast / Wind sprint

34. Racing against time

Definition: Trying to finish a task with great speed before a deadline.

Used in a Sentence: We were racing against time to finish the poster before class ended. / The mechanic was racing against time to fix the tire.

Similar Expressions: Beating the clock / Urgent rush

35. High-speed chase

Definition: Pursuing something or someone rapidly.

Used in a Sentence: The toy police car had a high-speed chase after the robber car. / Chasing our puppy turned into a high-speed chase across the yard.

Similar Expressions: Rapid pursuit / Fast chase

36. Fast and furious

Definition: An action-packed period moving with intense speed.

Used in a Sentence: The game of tag was fast and furious during recess. / Questions during the trivia round came fast and furious.

Similar Expressions: Intense and fast / Rapid action

37. Jetting off

Definition: Traveling somewhere rapidly using an airplane.

Used in a Sentence: My family is jetting off to Hawaii for our summer vacation. / The actors are jetting off to a new city tonight.

Similar Expressions: Flying away / Rapid travel

38. Moving at full throttle

Definition: Operating at maximum engine power and high speed.

Used in a Sentence: The motorboat was moving at full throttle across the lake. / We worked at full throttle to finish the chores.

Similar Expressions: Maximum speed / Full power

39. Shooting star speed

Definition: Moving with the rapid brilliance of a falling star.

Used in a Sentence: The fireworks streaked across the dark sky with shooting star speed. / His hand moved across the paper with shooting star speed.

Similar Expressions: Star rapid / Blazing fast

40. Whirling dervish

Definition: Moving in a fast, spinning blur of continuous motion.

Used in a Sentence: My little brother cleaned his room like a whirling dervish. / She spun around the dance floor like a whirling dervish.

Similar Expressions: Spinning fast / Blur of motion

41. Dashing away

Definition: Leaving a place quickly with running steps.

Used in a Sentence: The rabbit was dashing away into the thick bushes. / He grabbed his coat and started dashing away.

Similar Expressions: Running off / Rushing away

42. Rocketing upward

Definition: Rising or moving with extreme upward speed.

Used in a Sentence: The helium balloon kept rocketing upward into the sky. / Our score on the board was rocketing upward.

Similar Expressions: Soaring fast / Shooting high

43. Whizzing by

Definition: Passing an observer with a fast blurring sound.

Used in a Sentence: The colorful race cars kept whizzing by on the track. / Time feels like it is whizzing by during summer break.

Similar Expressions: Passing fast / Zooming past

44. Zooming past

Definition: Moving past someone with high velocity.

Used in a Sentence: The skateboarder went zooming past us on the sidewalk. / A motorcycle went zooming past our window.

Similar Expressions: Racing past / Flying by

45. Sweeping along

Definition: Moving rapidly and powerfully in one direction.

Used in a Sentence: The autumn leaves were sweeping along the pavement in the wind. / Our boat was sweeping along the river current.

Similar Expressions: Moving swiftly / Flowing fast

46. Charging forward

Definition: Moving ahead aggressively and with great speed.

Used in a Sentence: The football players started charging forward when the whistle blew. / The puppy came charging forward to greet us.

Similar Expressions: Rushing ahead / Advancing fast

47. Hitting top gear

Definition: Reaching maximum speed and productivity.

Used in a Sentence: Once he warmed up, the runner was hitting top gear. / Our project team is finally hitting top gear today.

Similar Expressions: Maximum speed / Peak performance

48. Blasting off

Definition: Launching away with immense fiery speed.

Used in a Sentence: The model rocket was blasting off into the clouds. / We felt like we were blasting off when the roller coaster dropped.

Similar Expressions: Launching fast / Rapid takeoff

49. Flying off the shelves

Definition: Items selling out at extremely fast speeds.

Used in a Sentence: The new video games were flying off the shelves at the store. / Fresh chocolate cupcakes were flying off the bake sale table.

Similar Expressions: Selling fast / Rapid purchases

50. Speeding along

Definition: Traveling down a path or road at high velocity.

Used in a Sentence: The train was speeding along toward the mountain station. / Our project is speeding along nicely toward completion.

Similar Expressions: Moving quickly / Progressing fast

Exercise to Practice

1. The runner dashed across the finish line like greased lightning.
2. The magic trick made the coin disappear in the blink of an eye while eating soup.
3. The superhero ran across the playground in a flash.
4. The squirrel grabbed the nut and ran up the tree quick as a wink.
5. The coach told the players to line up on the double by sleeping under desks.
6. The cartoon superhero flew across the screen faster than a speeding bullet.
7. Information travels across the internet at the speed of light.
8. When the whistle blew, the runners took off like a shot.
9. The bicycle raced down the hill at breakneck speed.
10. Spilling milk twice at dinner was the last straw for my patience.
11. He ate his bowl of cereal in nothing flat.
12. The ceiling fan spun at full tilt to cool down the classroom.
13. The news about the class party spread like wildfire among students.
14. We walked along the hiking trail at a good clip.
15. Pack your school bags double-quick so we can leave.

Answer Key

1. True
2. False
3. True
4. True
5. False
6. True
7. True
8. True
9. True
10. False
11. True
12. True
13. True
14. True
15. True

Conclusion

Learning these idioms helps students make their speaking and writing much more colorful and descriptive. When you know what these phrases mean, you can understand fast-paced stories and action scenes much better.

Try using one or two of these new expressions when you write a story about racing or talk with your friends. You will see how fun it is to bring your everyday English to life!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common idioms for being very fast?

Some popular idioms for being very fast include like greased lightning for extreme speed, in the blink of an eye for instant actions, and faster than a speeding bullet for incredible velocity. These expressions make action stories much more engaging.

Why do we use idioms in English?

Idioms add personality, humor, and color to our speech and writing. Instead of using plain words, people use idioms to paint a fun mental picture for the listener or reader.

How can kids learn idioms easily?

Kids can learn idioms best by reading fun stories, connecting the phrases to everyday situations, and practicing them in sentences. Using them during games and writing exercises helps them stick in your memory.

Can an idiom mean what the words literally say?

No, idioms have a special figurative meaning that is different from the literal definition of the individual words. For example, greased lightning does not mean actual oily electricity; it represents extreme speed.

Are idioms difficult for beginners to learn?

Idioms can seem tricky at first because their meanings are hidden, but they become easy and fun once you practice them in sentences. Learning them in small groups helps children build confidence quickly.