Sometimes, people want to talk about things that happen quickly. Instead of always saying “fast,” they use fun and smart phrases called idioms. These idioms help us describe speed in a more interesting way. They don’t always mean exactly what the words say, but they make the message stronger and clearer. You might hear someone say, “like greased lightning” or “in the blink of an eye.” These are ways to talk about doing something very fast.
In this article, you will learn different idioms people use when they mean “fast.” Each one has a simple meaning and is used in everyday life. These phrases can help you speak and write in a more exciting way. They can also make it easier to understand what others are saying. Let’s explore these idioms together and see how people use them at school, home, or anywhere things happen quickly.
Idioms for Fast
1. Like a flash
Meaning: Very quickly
Example: He ran across the field like a flash. / The dog chased the ball like a flash.
Put Differently: He moved super fast. / It happened really quickly.
2. In a jiffy
Meaning: In a very short time
Example: I’ll finish my homework in a jiffy. / She got ready in a jiffy.
Put Differently: It won’t take long. / She did it super fast.
3. In the blink of an eye
Meaning: Almost instantly
Example: The car was gone in the blink of an eye. / He cleaned up in the blink of an eye.
Put Differently: It happened really fast. / He did it right away.
4. Like greased lightning
Meaning: Extremely fast
Example: She ran like greased lightning. / The ball flew like greased lightning.
Put Differently: She was super fast. / It moved really quickly.
5. Quick as a bunny
Meaning: Very quick
Example: He grabbed his coat quick as a bunny. / She solved the puzzle quick as a bunny.
Put Differently: He did it quickly. / She didn’t waste time.
6. Faster than a speeding bullet
Meaning: Very fast
Example: That skater was faster than a speeding bullet. / The roller coaster moved faster than a speeding bullet.
Put Differently: They were super fast. / It went really quickly.
7. In no time
Meaning: Very soon
Example: We’ll be there in no time. / She finished her chores in no time.
Put Differently: We’ll get there fast. / She was done quickly.
8. On the double
Meaning: Right away, quickly
Example: The coach told us to line up on the double. / Finish that drawing on the double.
Put Differently: Do it fast. / Hurry up.
9. At lightning speed
Meaning: Extremely fast
Example: He typed his answer at lightning speed. / They finished their art project at lightning speed.
Put Differently: They did it very quickly. / He didn’t take long.
10. At the drop of a hat
Meaning: Without waiting
Example: She will leave at the drop of a hat. / He helps at the drop of a hat.
Put Differently: She doesn’t wait. / He acts quickly.
11. Quicker than you can say “Jack Robinson”
Meaning: Very quickly
Example: He was gone quicker than you can say “Jack Robinson.” / She fixed it quicker than you can say it.
Put Differently: He left fast. / She did it really quick.
12. A mile a minute
Meaning: Very fast
Example: He talks a mile a minute. / The wind was blowing a mile a minute.
Put Differently: He talks really fast. / The wind was strong and quick.
13. In a snap
Meaning: Quickly and easily
Example: She tied her shoes in a snap. / The test was done in a snap.
Put Differently: It was fast and easy. / She didn’t take long.
14. Before you know it
Meaning: Very soon
Example: The holidays will be here before you know it. / The bell rang before you know it.
Put Differently: It happened fast. / Time passed quickly.
15. In an instant
Meaning: Right away
Example: He appeared in an instant. / The idea came in an instant.
Put Differently: It was really fast. / It didn’t take time.
16. In record time
Meaning: Faster than ever
Example: We cleaned the room in record time. / She finished her lunch in record time.
Put Differently: We were super fast. / She ate quickly.
17. Like a shot
Meaning: Very quickly
Example: He left the room like a shot. / She stood up like a shot.
Put Differently: He left super fast. / She got up quickly.
18. As fast as your legs can carry you
Meaning: As fast as you can run
Example: Run as fast as your legs can carry you! / He ran as fast as his legs could carry him.
Put Differently: Run really fast. / He moved quickly.
19. Like a rocket
Meaning: Very fast
Example: The car moved like a rocket. / She ran like a rocket.
Put Differently: It was super fast. / She was speedy.
20. Speedy Gonzales
Meaning: A very fast person
Example: You’re Speedy Gonzales today! / He’s like Speedy Gonzales in gym class.
Put Differently: You’re moving quickly. / He’s super fast.
21. In two shakes of a lamb’s tail
Meaning: Very quickly
Example: I’ll be back in two shakes of a lamb’s tail. / It will be ready in two shakes of a lamb’s tail.
Put Differently: I’ll return fast. / It won’t take long.
22. In a flash
Meaning: Very quickly
Example: She was done in a flash. / He left in a flash.
Put Differently: It was really fast. / He didn’t waste time.
23. Jet speed
Meaning: Extremely fast
Example: He ran at jet speed. / She zoomed down the hill at jet speed.
Put Differently: Super fast. / Like a jet.
24. As quick as lightning
Meaning: Very fast
Example: He was as quick as lightning. / She moved as quick as lightning.
Put Differently: He was super fast. / She didn’t take long.
25. In a heartbeat
Meaning: Instantly
Example: I’d help you in a heartbeat. / He agreed in a heartbeat.
Put Differently: Right away. / No delay.
26. With lightning speed
Meaning: Extremely quickly
Example: She typed with lightning speed. / He raced with lightning speed.
Put Differently: Very quickly. / Like a flash.
27. Zoom by
Meaning: Move quickly past
Example: The bike zoomed by. / He zoomed by on his scooter.
Put Differently: He moved fast. / It passed quickly.
28. Race against the clock
Meaning: Hurry to finish
Example: We raced against the clock to finish. / It was a race against the clock.
Put Differently: We had to hurry. / We were working fast.
29. Blink and you’ll miss it
Meaning: Happens very fast
Example: The magic trick was so fast, blink and you’ll miss it. / The bird flew away blink and you’ll miss it.
Put Differently: Very quick. / So fast it’s easy to miss.
30. Like a cheetah
Meaning: As fast as a cheetah
Example: He runs like a cheetah. / She dashed like a cheetah.
Put Differently: Very fast. / Like the fastest animal.
31. As fast as a jet
Meaning: Super fast
Example: He zoomed through his homework as fast as a jet. / That ball flew as fast as a jet.
Put Differently: Very speedy. / Finished quickly.
32. Like a racecar
Meaning: Very fast
Example: He zipped through the hall like a racecar. / The sled moved like a racecar.
Put Differently: Super fast. / Like a race driver.
33. Breakneck speed
Meaning: Dangerously fast
Example: They drove at breakneck speed. / The kids ran at breakneck speed.
Put Differently: So fast it could be unsafe. / Extremely fast.
34. Fast track
Meaning: Quick path to success
Example: She’s on the fast track to winning. / He’s on the fast track in math class.
Put Differently: Moving ahead quickly. / Going fast toward success.
35. Hurry up
Meaning: Move faster
Example: Hurry up or we’ll be late! / Hurry up and get dressed!
Put Differently: Be quick. / Don’t waste time.
36. Lightning quick
Meaning: Super fast
Example: That catch was lightning quick. / She moved lightning quick to grab the ball.
Put Differently: Very fast. / Like a flash.
37. Turbo speed
Meaning: Very fast, like a car with turbo
Example: He worked at turbo speed. / She cleaned her room at turbo speed.
Put Differently: Super speedy. / Done really fast.
38. As fast as a blink
Meaning: Super fast
Example: It ended as fast as a blink. / The dog ran off as fast as a blink.
Put Differently: Happened quickly. / In a second.
39. Zip through
Meaning: Move fast through something
Example: I zipped through the homework. / She zipped through her chores.
Put Differently: Did it quickly. / Didn’t take long.
40. Move like the wind
Meaning: Very fast
Example: He moved like the wind. / She ran like the wind across the yard.
Put Differently: So fast it was like air. / Very speedy.
“Rewrite the Sentence” Activity: Idioms for Fast
Below are 10 regular sentences. Rewrite them using one of the idioms from above.
Sentences to Rewrite
- Jenna ran very fast to catch the bus.
- The dog chased the squirrel quickly.
- We cleaned the room in a short time.
- He got dressed really fast.
- Mom made dinner really quickly.
- I finished my homework super fast.
- Dad drove to the store quickly.
- She answered the question right away.
- The rabbit moved quickly through the yard.
- The skater zoomed around the rink fast.
Answer Key
- Jenna ran like the wind to catch the bus.
- The dog chased the squirrel like a flash.
- We cleaned the room in a snap.
- He got dressed in a jiffy.
- Mom made dinner in no time.
- I finished my homework in record time.
- Dad drove to the store at lightning speed.
- She answered the question in a heartbeat.
- The rabbit moved quick as a bunny through the yard.
- The skater zoomed by like a racecar.
Conclusion
Idioms help us say things in fun and different ways. When we talk about something fast, using idioms makes it more interesting. These phrases are used every day at home, school, and with friends.
The more you read and use idioms, the easier it gets. Try to listen for them in books or shows. Then try using them when you talk or write. Soon, you’ll sound like a natural. Keep practicing and have fun learning!
