hit the accelerator: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘hit the accelerator’ mean?
The idiom hit the accelerator means to increase speed or intensify activity, often in a figurative sense. It implies taking action quickly and forcefully to achieve a desired outcome.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "kick in" means to start or take effect, typically referring to the beginning of a process, action, or reaction.
The idiom "jump the gun" means to do or say something prematurely or before the appropriate time.
The idiom "juice up" means to energize or increase the power, intensity, or excitement of something or someone. It can be used in various contexts, such as charging a device, adding energy to a situation, or even enhancing performance.
The idiom "in the fast lane" means to be living or working at a fast pace, often associated with a busy or exciting lifestyle full of activity and success.
The idiom "in high gear" means to be functioning or operating at a very fast or intense pace, usually with a lot of energy and enthusiasm.
The idiom "hit it up" means to begin or start something, often with enthusiasm or energy.
An idiom that means to gain momentum or build up force, often used in the context of a person or group gathering energy or enthusiasm for a task or goal.
The idiom "give it the gun" means to apply maximum effort or speed to a task or activity.
Revving Towards Triumph
The idiom "hit the accelerator" is a widely used expression in American English. It reflects the fast-paced nature of modern society and is often used to describe situations where there is a need for speed or an increase in activity or intensity.
One way to think about this idiom is to consider its relationship to the phrase "speed up." Just as hitting the accelerator increases the speed of a car, when we "speed up" in our work or daily activities, we are moving at a faster pace. It's like putting our foot on the gas pedal and getting things done more quickly and efficiently. So when someone tells us to "hit the accelerator," they are essentially telling us to "speed up" and go faster in whatever we're doing.
Another related idiom is "floor it," which means the same thing as "hit the accelerator" or "speed up." When we "floor it," we are pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor, maximizing the engine's power and causing the car to go as fast as possible. This idiom is often used in situations where a sudden burst of speed is needed or when someone wants to emphasize the importance of moving quickly. For example, a coach might tell their team to "floor it" in the final minutes of a game in order to secure a victory. So, just as hitting the accelerator in a car makes it go faster, when we "floor it" in our work or other activities, we are giving it our all and moving forward quickly.
Another similar idiom is "burn rubber." This phrase originated in the world of drag racing, where cars would spin their wheels and create smoke as they accelerated rapidly. When someone tells us to "hit the accelerator" and we respond by "burning rubber," we are really going for it and giving it everything we've got. It's like putting the pedal to the metal and showing off our speed and power. So, when we see someone "burning rubber" in their work or other activities, we know that they are pushing themselves to the limit and moving at a rapid pace.
Lastly, there is the idiom "full speed ahead." This phrase is often used to express a strong sense of forward momentum and determination. When we "hit the accelerator" and go "full speed ahead," we are charging ahead with great energy and enthusiasm. It's like driving a car at full throttle, not holding anything back. So, when someone encourages us to "hit the accelerator," they are really telling us to go "full speed ahead" and give it our all.
The idiom "hit the accelerator" is deeply ingrained in American English and is used to convey a sense of urgency, productivity, and progress. Whether we "speed up," "floor it," "burn rubber," or go "full speed ahead," the message is the same – it's time to move quickly and get things done. So the next time someone tells you to "hit the accelerator," remember the related idioms that convey the same message and put your foot on the gas pedal of productivity and success.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "hit the accelerator" can be used in a sentence:
- She hit the accelerator and raced past the other cars on the highway.
- The company decided to hit the accelerator on their marketing campaign to increase sales.
- In order to catch up with the leading team, the coach told his players to hit the accelerator during the second half of the game.
More "Driving" idioms
