PhrasesHub

On the fast track

    Definitions

      • to be on a path to success or advancement
        To describe someone who is quickly and easily progressing in their career or achieving their goals

      • to be in a position of privilege or advantage
        To describe someone who has access to opportunities and resources that allow them to rapidly advance in their career or goals, often at the expense of others

      • to be moving quickly or efficiently
        To describe a process or project that is making swift progress and is on track to be completed in a timely manner

    Examples of On the fast track

    • She's on the fast track to becoming a CEO.

      This idiom is used to describe someone who is advancing quickly in their career or achieving success at a rapid pace. It implies that the person is making significant progress and is likely to reach their goal soon.

    • The company's new product is on the fast track to success.

      This idiom can also be used to describe something that is progressing quickly and is likely to achieve success soon. It implies that the product is gaining popularity and momentum, and is expected to succeed in the market.

    • The project is on the fast track for completion.

      This idiom can also be used to describe a project that is moving quickly towards completion. It implies that the project is being executed efficiently and is on track to be finished within the expected timeframe.

    • The sales team is on the fast track to meeting their quota.

      This idiom can be used to describe a group of people who are making rapid progress towards achieving a goal. It implies that the sales team is performing well and is likely to meet their sales quota soon.

    • The student is on the fast track to graduation.

      This idiom can also be used to describe someone who is making good progress towards completing a program or achieving a goal. It implies that the student is making good grades and is likely to graduate on time.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "on the fast track" is used to describe someone or something that is quickly and easily progressing towards success or advancement. This can refer to a person's career, goals, or a project. It can also imply a sense of privilege or advantage, as the person or project may have access to resources that allow for swift progress. In addition, the idiom can simply mean moving quickly or efficiently towards a goal.

    In all of its uses, "on the fast track" conveys a sense of speed and progress, often with a positive connotation. It suggests that the person or project is making good progress and is on track to achieve their goals. However, it can also imply a level of pressure or competition, as being on the fast track often means competing with others to reach a certain level of success.

    Origin of "On the fast track"

    The origin of the idiom "on the fast track" is believed to come from the railway industry in the mid-20th century. In this context, the "fast track" referred to a section of railroad that allowed trains to travel at higher speeds, reducing travel time and increasing efficiency. This concept was later applied to other industries and activities, and the phrase "on the fast track" became a metaphor for quick progress and success.

    In modern usage, the idiom can also be traced back to the 1970s, when it was popularized in business and corporate settings. It was often used to describe employees who were on a path to rapid advancement and success within a company. Over time, it has become a commonly used phrase in everyday language to describe any situation or person that is making quick and successful progress.