lightning fast: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘lightning fast’ mean?
The idiom lightning fast means very quick or rapid, often used to describe someone's speed or the speed of a process or event.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "with a quickness" means to do something quickly or promptly.
The idiom "on-the-spot" means to be in a situation where decisions or actions must be made immediately, without any time to prepare or think about it.
The idiom "on the spot" means to do something immediately or to be put in a situation where one is required to perform or make a decision without any preparation or advance notice.
The idiom "on fire" means to be performing exceptionally well or having great success in a particular activity. It is often used to describe someone who is highly skilled, talented, or in a state of intense enthusiasm or energy.
The idiom "one fell swoop" means to do something quickly and all at once, usually to accomplish a task or achieve a goal. It suggests that the action is done with great force or impact, without any delay or hesitation.
The idiom "of late" refers to something that has occurred or been happening in the recent or immediate past.
The idiom "off the bat" means immediately or without delay, often used to describe an immediate action or response to something.
The idiom "now or never" means that something must be done immediately or it will never be possible to do it. It emphasizes the urgency of taking action without delay.
The idiom "no time" is used to express a lack of available time or the urgency of completing a task or action quickly.
Bolted Secrets
Lightning fast is an idiom that signifies extreme speed or swiftness. The phrase is derived from the natural phenomenon of lightning, which moves with lightning-quick speed. The idiom is widely used and has become a common phrase in everyday conversation and writing. Lightning-quick is another idiom that can be used interchangeably, emphasizing the same notion of exceptional quickness and rapidity.
One fact about the idiom is that it originated from the observation of lightning as a metaphor for speed. Lightning is a natural phenomenon caused by the discharge of atmospheric electricity, creating a bright flash of light and a loud crackling sound. It moves with lightning-quick speed, darting across the sky in a flash. This comparison between lightning and speed has made the idiom "lightning fast" universally understood and frequently used.
Another related idiom is "lightningly," which is an adverb derived from lightning-fast. It describes the manner in which something is done with extreme speed and haste. For example, a cheetah sprints lightningly across the savannah, showcasing its incredible speed and agility.
The idiom "lightning fast" is often used in various contexts to describe the speed at which a particular action or event occurs. It can be used to describe the quickness of physical movements, such as running, driving, or typing, as well as the speed of mental processes, such as thinking or decision-making. When someone accomplishes a task or solves a problem with a quickness, they do it in a swift and efficient manner, exhibiting lightning-fast speed.
Additionally, the idiom is frequently used in sports and competition to describe the speed and agility of athletes. Athletes who move with lightning-fast speed possess lightning-quick reflexes, allowing them to react promptly to a situation. This exceptional quickness is particularly evident in sports like track and field, basketball, or soccer, where lightning-fast movements can make all the difference between victory and defeat.
Furthermore, the idiom "lightning fast" is also commonly used in technology and computing. It describes the speed and efficiency of processes or devices. For instance, a computer with lightning-fast performance executes tasks in a flash, providing users with quick and efficient results. Internet connections with lightning-fast speed ensure smooth and fast data transfers. This idiom emphasizes the ability of technology to operate at high speeds and accomplish tasks swiftly and effectively.
The idiom "lightning fast" is used to describe extreme speed or swiftness. It draws its meaning from the rapid movement of lightning, as lightning moves with lightning-quick speed. The idiom is commonly used in everyday conversation, sports, and technology to emphasize the speed at which actions or events occur. The related idioms "lightning-quick," "lightningly," "in a flash," and "with a quickness" further capture the essence of rapidity and agility. Derived from the observation of lightning, this idiom continues to be a widely recognized and used phrase in the English language.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom lightning fast can be used in a sentence:
1. The professional sprinter ran with lightning-fast speed, leaving all her competitors behind.
2. The new gaming console boasted a lightning-fast processor, resulting in seamless and immersive gameplay.
3. The delivery service aims to deliver packages in a lightning-fast manner to ensure customer satisfaction.
More "Speed" idioms
