in the fast lane: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘in the fast lane’ mean?
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.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "on the run" means being in a state of constant movement or being pursued by someone or something. It can also refer to living a fast-paced and hectic life without any moment of rest or relaxation.
The idiom "keep pace" means to maintain a similar speed, progress, or level as someone or something else.
The idiom "in the lead" means to be in a leading or winning position, often in a competition or race.
The idiom "in the business of" means actively engaged or involved in a particular activity or profession.
The idiom "in the blink of an eye" means something happening extremely quickly or instantaneously.
The idiom "in one go" means doing something all at once or in a single attempt, without pausing or stopping. It suggests efficiency and not wasting time.
An idiom meaning to do something quickly and efficiently, often describing the completion of multiple tasks or actions in a single swift and decisive motion.
The idiom "in no time" means very quickly or without delay, suggesting that something will be completed or happen in a short period of time.
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 "in full gear" means to be operating at maximum speed or efficiency, with all resources and effort fully engaged.
The Speedy Lifestyle
In the fast lane is an idiomatic phrase that originates from the world of driving. Its meaning has been extended to describe the pace and intensity of life or specific activities. The idiom suggests a sense of speed, urgency, and high activity.
The phrase "in the fast lane" is commonly used to describe someone who is ambitious and driven, particularly in their career. It implies a level of success and also indicates a desire for constant progress and advancement. The idea of being in the fast lane evokes images of speed and efficiency, where individuals are constantly pushing themselves to excel and achieve their goals.
This idiom can be related to other idioms, such as "fast and furious", "full speed ahead", "in a flash", "in high gear", and "on the run". Each of these idioms has its own specific meaning and connotation, but they all share the common theme of speed and intensity.
The idiom "fast and furious" is often used to describe a situation or activity that is characterized by a high level of speed and intensity. It suggests a sense of urgency and excitement, where things are happening quickly and with great energy. When someone is in the fast lane, they are likely to be moving fast and working hard, embodying the spirit of being "fast and furious".
Similarly, the idiom "full speed ahead" conveys a sense of determination and forward momentum. It suggests that there are no obstacles or hesitations, and that one is fully committed to moving forward at top speed. When someone is in the fast lane, they are likely to be going full speed ahead, embracing challenges and pushing themselves to achieve their goals.
"In a flash" is an idiom used to describe something that happens very quickly or suddenly. It suggests a sense of immediacy and speed. When someone is in the fast lane, they are likely to be taking quick action and making rapid progress, getting things done in a flash.
On the other hand, the idiom "in high gear" is used to describe a situation where someone is working at maximum capacity or with great intensity. It suggests that someone is operating at their top speed and giving their all. When someone is in the fast lane, they are likely to be in high gear, fully focused and working at their highest level of productivity.
Finally, the idiom "on the run" can be related to being in the fast lane. This phrase is often used to describe someone who is constantly busy or on the move, with little time for rest or relaxation. When someone is in the fast lane, they are likely to be always on the run, juggling multiple tasks and responsibilities.
The origin of the idiom "in the fast lane" can be traced back to the emergence of expressways and highways in the mid-20th century. These new roads had multiple lanes, with one lane designated as the "fast lane" or "passing lane." The fast lane was intended for vehicles traveling at higher speeds, allowing them to overtake slower cars in the other lanes. Over time, the phrase became metaphorical, referring to a way of life or a mindset characterized by speed, efficiency, and continuous progress.
The idiom "in the fast lane" has evolved beyond its literal meaning in driving to represent a fast-paced, ambitious, and driven approach to life. It symbolizes a desire for success, a constant need for progress, and a lifestyle characterized by a hectic and demanding schedule. The origins of the idiom can be traced back to the emergence of expressways, where the "fast lane" referred to the lane dedicated to higher-speed traffic. This idiom continues to be widely used to describe a variety of situations and experiences that embody speed, intensity, and a relentless drive to excel.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "in the fast lane" can be used in a sentence:
1. She's always in the fast lane, taking on multiple projects at once and never slowing down.
2. After winning the lottery, he found himself in the fast lane of luxury, buying expensive cars and traveling the world.
3. The new startup company is quickly climbing into the fast lane of success, acquiring more clients and expanding their business rapidly.
More "Speed" idioms
