Idioms are fun phrases that mean something different than the actual words inside them. People use them every day to make speaking and writing more colorful and exciting. In this article, you will learn fifty helpful idioms that all describe doing things quickly.
In this lesson, we’ll look at idioms that mean fast or in a hurry. Let’s get started and explore some of these helpful expressions.
Idioms for Quickly
1. In a heartbeat
Definition: Happening almost instantly without any delay at all.
Used in a Sentence: She agreed to help her friend move in a heartbeat. / The puppy ate his dinner in a heartbeat.
Similar Expressions: In a flash / Right away
2. At the drop of a hat
Definition: Done immediately or at the very moment something is asked.
Used in a Sentence: He is always ready to go camping at the drop of a hat. / She packs her bags at the drop of a hat when a trip comes up.
Similar Expressions: Instantly / Without hesitation
3. Like greased lightning
Definition: Moving or happening with incredible speed.
Used in a Sentence: The race car zoomed past the grandstands like greased lightning. / My older brother ran down the track like greased lightning.
Similar Expressions: In a blur / Faster than light
4. In the blink of an eye
Definition: Passing or happening in an extremely short amount of time.
Used in a Sentence: Summer vacation ended in the blink of an eye. / The magic trick finished in the blink of an eye.
Similar Expressions: In a second / Momentarily
5. At top speed
Definition: Moving as fast as physically possible.
Used in a Sentence: The cheetah chased its prey across the field at top speed. / The bicycle rolled down the steep hill at top speed.
Similar Expressions: Full speed / Full tilt
6. Like a bat out of hell
Definition: Moving away or traveling at an extremely rapid and wild pace.
Used in a Sentence: The frightened rabbit dashed into the bushes like a bat out of hell. / The delivery driver took off down the road like a bat out of hell.
Similar Expressions: Like a rocket / At breakneck speed
7. In a New York minute
Definition: Happening very fast, typically in a busy city setting.
Used in a Sentence: The delicious cookies disappeared from the plate in a New York minute. / He finished his tricky math homework in a New York minute.
Similar Expressions: In no time / In a flash
8. Before you can say Jack Robinson
Definition: Happening so fast that there is barely time to speak.
Used in a Sentence: The kids cleaned their messy room before you can say Jack Robinson. / The storm clouds rolled in before you can say Jack Robinson.
Similar Expressions: In a trice / In a jiffy
9. Burning rubber
Definition: Driving or moving away in a vehicle with great speed.
Used in a Sentence: The school bus was burning rubber to make it to the field trip on time. / Dad was burning rubber to get us to the movie theater before the previews ended.
Similar Expressions: Speeding up / Hitting the gas
10. Like a house on fire
Definition: Progressing with intense speed and energy.
Used in a Sentence: The two new classmates became best friends like a house on fire. / The fundraiser project moved forward like a house on fire.
Similar Expressions: Rapidly / With great force
11. Quick on the draw
Definition: Being fast to react or make a decision.
Used in a Sentence: The clever student was quick on the draw with the correct answer. / She is always quick on the draw when someone needs help.
Similar Expressions: Quick-witted / Sharp-eyed
12. Quick off the mark
Definition: Starting an activity or race very fast without wasting time.
Used in a Sentence: The swimmer was quick off the mark when the buzzer sounded. / He was quick off the mark to sign up for the art club.
Similar Expressions: Fast out of the gate / Prompt
13. At a rapid clip
Definition: Moving along at a steady and fast pace.
Used in a Sentence: The hikers walked at a rapid clip to reach the summit before sunset. / The train traveled at a rapid clip down the tracks.
Similar Expressions: Moving fast / At a brisk pace
14. In short order
Definition: Accomplishing a task quickly and without fuss.
Used in a Sentence: The mechanic fixed the flat tire in short order. / We built the Lego castle in short order.
Similar Expressions: Promptly / Speedily
15. At breakneck speed
Definition: Moving so fast that it feels dangerous or reckless.
Used in a Sentence: The skateboarder went down the ramp at breakneck speed. / The plot of the action movie moved at breakneck speed.
Similar Expressions: Dangerously fast / Wildly fast
16. Quick as a wink
Definition: Happening with extreme promptness.
Used in a Sentence: The clever magician made the coin disappear quick as a wink. / She solved the puzzle quick as a wink.
Similar Expressions: Instantly / Speedy
17. In double quick time
Definition: Finishing a job much faster than expected.
Used in a Sentence: The team finished painting the mural in double quick time. / We packed our suitcases in double quick time for the flight.
Similar Expressions: Ahead of time / Rapidly
18. Like wildfire
Definition: Spreading or moving rapidly among a group.
Used in a Sentence: The funny rumor spread through the schoolyard like wildfire. / News of the snow day traveled like wildfire.
Similar Expressions: Spreading fast / Rapidly expanding
19. On the double
Definition: Moving or working as fast as possible because you are in a rush.
Used in a Sentence: The coach told the players to get onto the field on the double. / We needed to pack our gear on the double to catch the bus.
Similar Expressions: Hurry up / Swiftly
20. With all possible speed
Definition: Traveling or working with maximum urgency.
Used in a Sentence: The ambulance rushed to the hospital with all possible speed. / The firefighters responded to the call with all possible speed.
Similar Expressions: Urgently / Hastily
21. At full blast
Definition: Operating at maximum speed or volume.
Used in a Sentence: The kitchen blender was running at full blast to make smoothies. / The lawn mower ran at full blast across the yard.
Similar Expressions: Full speed / Maximum power
22. In a rush
Definition: Moving with a sense of urgent haste.
Used in a Sentence: Mom was in a rush to get to work on time. / The students were in a rush to grab lunch.
Similar Expressions: Hasting / Hurrying
23. Like a shot
Definition: Going somewhere or doing something immediately without waiting.
Used in a Sentence: The golden retriever ran after the tennis ball like a shot. / She answered the phone like a shot.
Similar Expressions: Instantly / Swiftly
24. With lightning speed
Definition: Moving with the speed of a flash of lightning.
Used in a Sentence: The ninja crossed the courtyard with lightning speed. / The cat grabbed the toy mouse with lightning speed.
Similar Expressions: Rapidly / Instantly
25. Skipping a beat
Definition: Moving forward seamlessly without slowing down.
Used in a Sentence: The talented pianist played the song without skipping a beat. / The captain took over the game without skipping a beat.
Similar Expressions: Without stopping / Seamlessly
26. At full tilt
Definition: Moving forward at maximum power and speed.
Used in a Sentence: The puppy ran around the yard at full tilt. / The project moved forward at full tilt all week.
Similar Expressions: Full speed / Rapidly
27. On the run
Definition: Doing tasks while moving constantly from place to place.
Used in a Sentence: Dad ate a quick sandwich on the run between meetings. / She studied for her spelling test on the run.
Similar Expressions: Busy / Moving fast
28. Fleet of foot
Definition: Being able to run very fast on your feet.
Used in a Sentence: The soccer forward was fleet of foot and outran the defenders. / The deer was fleet of foot and escaped the open field.
Similar Expressions: Fast runner / Agile
29. Like a bullet
Definition: Flying or moving forward with extreme swiftness.
Used in a Sentence: The baseball sailed past the batter like a bullet. / The arrow flew from the bow like a bullet.
Similar Expressions: Swiftly / Direct
30. Making tracks
Definition: Leaving a place in a hurry.
Used in a Sentence: We saw dark storm clouds gathering and started making tracks for home. / The hikers were making tracks before the sun went down.
Similar Expressions: Hasty exit / Leaving fast
31. Hitting the ground running
Definition: Starting a new project or task with immediate speed and energy.
Used in a Sentence: The new student hit the ground running and joined three clubs. / The team hit the ground running on the first day of practice.
Similar Expressions: Starting fast / Eager start
32. In a flash
Definition: Happening in an instant.
Used in a Sentence: The shooting star crossed the night sky in a flash. / The helpful mechanic fixed the bicycle chain in a flash.
Similar Expressions: Instantly / Momentarily
33. Faster than a speeding bullet
Definition: Moving with legendary cartoon-like swiftness.
Used in a Sentence: The remote-controlled car zipped across the floor faster than a speeding bullet. / He wanted his computer to download files faster than a speeding bullet.
Similar Expressions: Super fast / Extremely fast
34. In a jiffy
Definition: Done very quickly or shortly.
Used in a Sentence: I will have your lunch ready in a jiffy. / The friendly librarian found the book for me in a jiffy.
Similar Expressions: Soon / Promptly
35. At a brisk pace
Definition: Walking or moving quickly with energy.
Used in a Sentence: We took our dog for a walk at a brisk pace around the park. / The tour guide walked at a brisk pace through the museum.
Similar Expressions: Fast walk / Lively pace
36. Without missing a beat
Definition: Continuing an action instantly without pausing.
Used in a Sentence: The speaker dropped her notes but kept talking without missing a beat. / The band played through the loud thunder without missing a beat.
Similar Expressions: Seamlessly / Smoothly
37. On the fly
Definition: Doing something quickly while something else is happening.
Used in a Sentence: We had to change our picnic plans on the fly when it started to rain. / The chef invented a new recipe on the fly.
Similar Expressions: Immediately / Quickly adapting
38. With dispatch
Definition: Handling a matter efficiently and rapidly.
Used in a Sentence: The postal worker delivered the packages with dispatch. / The crew solved the plumbing issue with dispatch.
Similar Expressions: Efficiently / Promptly
39. At a gallop
Definition: Moving forward as fast as a running horse.
Used in a Sentence: The project moved at a gallop toward the final deadline. / The kids ran down the hallway at a gallop.
Similar Expressions: Running fast / Rushing
40. Quick-paced
Definition: An event or story that moves along without slow parts.
Used in a Sentence: The basketball game was so exciting and quick-paced. / We enjoyed the quick-paced adventure novel.
Similar Expressions: Fast-moving / Energetic
41. In nothing flat
Definition: Completes a task in almost no time at all.
Used in a Sentence: The hungry cat ate its canned food in nothing flat. / We cleaned up the art supplies in nothing flat.
Similar Expressions: Very fast / Instantly
42. In a trice
Definition: Happening in a very short moment.
Used in a Sentence: The friendly elf fixed the broken toy in a trice. / The bright sun dried the wet pavement in a trice.
Similar Expressions: Quickly / Instantly
43. Pushing the envelope
Definition: Moving as fast or as far as possible past normal limits.
Used in a Sentence: The racing team was pushing the envelope during testing. / She kept pushing the envelope to finish her art piece early.
Similar Expressions: Racing ahead / Advancing
44. Zooming along
Definition: Traveling or progressing at a fast velocity.
Used in a Sentence: The model train was zooming along the track. / Our science project is zooming along nicely.
Similar Expressions: Moving fast / Progressing
45. Sweeping through
Definition: Moving across an area rapidly.
Used in a Sentence: The autumn breeze was sweeping through the colorful trees. / The cleaning crew was sweeping through the hallways.
Similar Expressions: Moving fast / Flowing
46. Moving at warp speed
Definition: Traveling or working at an impossible or science-fiction speed.
Used in a Sentence: The computer uploaded the large video file at warp speed. / The chef chopped vegetables at warp speed.
Similar Expressions: Super speed / Extremely fast
47. Rushing headlong
Definition: Moving forward quickly without stopping to look.
Used in a Sentence: The children were rushing headlong toward the playground. / He went rushing headlong into the new hobby.
Similar Expressions: Hasting / Hurrying
48. Flying along
Definition: Making quick progress on a journey or assignment.
Used in a Sentence: We were flying along on our bicycles with the wind behind us. / The writer was flying along on chapter four.
Similar Expressions: Moving fast / Cruising
49. In high gear
Definition: Operating with maximum energy and speed.
Used in a Sentence: The festival preparations went into high gear on Friday. / Our study group went into high gear before the big test.
Similar Expressions: Speeding up / Full throttle
50. Hitting warp speed
Definition: Reaching the absolute maximum limit of speed.
Used in a Sentence: The runner hit warp speed during the final lap of the race. / The rocket launched and hit warp speed into the clouds.
Similar Expressions: Maximum speed / Super fast
Exercise to Practice
- The puppy ate his dinner in a heartbeat, so he was still hungry.
- She packed her bags at the drop of a hat when the surprise trip was announced.
- My older brother ran down the track like greased lightning and came in last place.
- Summer vacation ended in the blink of an eye because the months went by so fast.
- The cheetah chased its prey across the field at top speed and walked very slowly.
- The frightened rabbit dashed into the bushes like a bat out of hell.
- He finished his tricky math homework in a New York minute after working for five hours.
- The kids cleaned their messy room before you can say Jack Robinson in just two minutes.
- Dad was burning rubber to get us to the movie theater so we arrived an hour early.
- The two new classmates became best friends like a house on fire right away.
- The clever student was quick on the draw with the correct answer during the quiz.
- He was quick off the mark to sign up for the art club after waiting a whole year.
- The train traveled at a rapid clip down the tracks and reached the station early.
- The mechanic fixed the flat tire in short order before we left on our trip.
- The skateboarder went down the ramp at breakneck speed and fell asleep.
Answer Key
- True
- True
- False
- True
- False
- True
- False
- True
- False
- True
- True
- False
- True
- True
- False
Conclusion
Learning idioms about doing things quickly helps you make your everyday writing and conversation much more colorful. When you understand these fun expressions, you can express speed and excitement in creative new ways. Try using a few of these speedy phrases the next time you talk with your friends or write a story at school.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common idioms for quickly?
Common idioms for quickly include phrases like in a heartbeat, in the blink of an eye, and like greased lightning. People use these expressions to show that something happens without any delay. They add fun imagery to everyday conversations.
Why do we use idioms in English?
We use idioms because they make our language more expressive and interesting than plain words. Instead of just saying fast, an idiom like like greased lightning paints a vivid picture in the listener’s mind. They help make stories and talks memorable.
How can I learn more idioms?
You can learn more idioms by reading books, listening closely when adults talk, and practicing them in your own writing. Keeping a personal notebook of new phrases helps you remember their meanings. Trying to use one new idiom each day is a great way to grow your vocabulary.
Are idioms hard to understand?
Idioms can be tricky at first because their literal words do not match their actual meanings. However, once you learn the definition and see them used in sentences, they become very easy to understand. Context clues in stories also help you figure them out.
Can I use these idioms in school writing?
Yes, using idioms makes school stories and creative writing much more engaging for your teachers and classmates. Just make sure to use them correctly so your meaning stays clear. They are especially helpful in narrative and descriptive essays.
