PhrasesHub

As fast as greased lightning

    Definitions

      • to describe something or someone that moves very quickly
        To emphasize the speed at which something or someone is moving, often to express amazement or surprise at the speed

      • to describe something that is very slippery or smooth
        To describe a surface or substance that is extremely slick and allows for very little friction or resistance

    Examples of As fast as greased lightning

    • She typed the entire document as fast as greased lightning, leaving the rest of us in the dust.

      This idiom is used to describe something that happens very quickly and without any delay. The image of greased lightning is used to convey the speed and smoothness of the action. In this example, the person being described is typing the document at an incredibly fast pace, leaving others behind.

    • The train rushed past us as fast as greased lightning, leaving us in awe of its speed.

      Here, the idiom is used to describe the speed of the train as it passed by. The image of greased lightning is used to convey the rapidity and smoothness of the train's movement.

    • He solved the complex math problem as fast as greased lightning, impressing his classmates with his quick wits.

      This example illustrates the use of the idiom to describe someone's ability to complete a task quickly and efficiently. The image of greased lightning is used to convey the speed and ease with which the person was able to solve the math problem.

    • The car zoomed down the highway as fast as greased lightning, leaving us in the rearview mirror.

      Here, the idiom is used to describe the speed of the car as it traveled down the highway. The image of greased lightning is used to convey the rapidity and smoothness of the car's movement.

    • The cheetah sprinted across the savannah as fast as greased lightning, effortlessly catching its prey.

      This example illustrates the use of the idiom to describe the speed of an animal. The image of greased lightning is used to convey the rapidity and ease with which the cheetah was able to catch its prey.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "as fast as greased lightning" is primarily used to describe something or someone that is moving with incredible speed. This is often used as a figure of speech to emphasize the astonishing pace of an action or event. It can also be used to describe something that is incredibly slippery or smooth, highlighting the lack of friction or resistance.

    Origin of "As fast as greased lightning"

    The origin of this idiom is believed to come from the early 19th century, when the invention of grease and oil made machinery and tools operate much faster and smoother. This innovation greatly increased the speed and efficiency of many tasks, leading to the phrase "as fast as greased lightning" to describe this newfound quickness.

    The idiom is also believed to have roots in the expression "lightning speed," which has been used since the 18th century to describe something that moves with incredible velocity. Combining this with the concept of grease and its ability to enhance speed, the idiom "as fast as greased lightning" was born.

    Overall, this idiom has come to represent extreme speed and smoothness, often used in a hyperbolic manner to emphasize the impressive pace of something. It has become a common phrase in the English language and is still used today to describe a wide range of situations and events.